It is a colorless, radioactive gas that is produced by the natural decay of uranium and thorium – radioactive elements commonly found in rocks and soils. Uranium is widely used, for example, as fuel for nuclear reactors.
This gas is completely tasteless and odorless and is released from the earth’s crust. Due to its higher density than air, it tends to accumulate at ground level and easily penetrates indoor spaces through leaks in their construction.
Czech Republic: A country with one of the highest occurrences of radon in the world
The Czech Republic is among the areas with the highest concentration of radon in the world. This is due to the geological composition of the substrate, particularly the presence of uranium ores, granites, and other rocks rich in radioactive elements.
For this reason, strict standards and regular inspections of indoor spaces in buildings are in place to minimize the risks associated with exposure to this hazardous gas. The highest concentrations of radon are found, for example, in the regions of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, the Ore Mountains, or the Jizera Mountains.
Why is radon dangerous?
Radon is considered a very serious carcinogen, and long-term exposure to environments with elevated concentrations can have serious impacts on human health. However, radon itself is not the main danger – the problem lies with its decay products, known as radon daughters. These radioactive particles can attach to dust and be inhaled into the lungs, where they subsequently irradiate lung tissue. Short-term exposure, however, poses only a negligible risk.
How does radon enter buildings?
Radon naturally occurs in the substrate and groundwater. It can enter indoor spaces through:
– cracks in foundations and floors,
– through basements,
– pipes and drainage systems,
– water taps and showers (especially if using well water),
– other leaks in the building’s construction.
How is radon measured and in what units?
Radon is measured in Becquerel (Bq), named after the French physicist Henri Becquerel, who discovered natural radioactivity. The Bq unit represents one radioactive decay per second.
For measuring radon load in indoor environments, the unit Bq/m³ (Becquerel per cubic meter) is used. For example, 1 Bq/m³ means that there is one radioactive decay occurring every second in a volume of one cubic meter.
Radon measurement can be performed in two ways:
Short-term measurement: Instant-read detectors are used, providing quick results.
2. Long-term measurement: Passive detectors that record the average concentration of radon over a longer period (usually 1–12 months).
Radon limits in indoor environments in the Czech Republic
According to the regulation of the State Office for Nuclear Safety No. 184/1997 Coll., the following limits apply:
Existing buildings: The average value of radon volumetric activity should not exceed 400 Bq/m³. If this limit is exceeded, it is recommended to take measures to reduce the concentration.
2. New buildings: For new constructions, a stricter limit of 200 Bq/m³ is set. Therefore, preventive measures against radon infiltration must be implemented during construction.
These limits are in accordance with the recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
*Interesting fact: The average radon level in apartments in the Czech Republic is approximately 120 Bq/m³.
Radon risk map
Areas with high radon occurrences are now well-mapped. On the radon risk maps of the Czech Republic, which are available on the websites of the State Office for Nuclear Safety (SÚJB) or the Czech Geological Survey, you can easily find out whether your home is located in a low, medium, or high-risk zone.
The key to a safe environment is adequate ventilation. The ideal solution is controlled ventilation based on current values measured by a radon sensor, such as the ADS-RN3. This device allows for effective ventilation without unnecessary energy loss.
Other measures include:
– sealing cracks in floors and walls,
– installing radon barriers during the construction of new buildings,
– using sub-slab depressurization, which effectively removes radon from the building.
Practical example: Passive house in a risk area
Measurements in a passive house showed that radon concentration was highest on the ground floor, reaching nearly 1,000 Bq/m³, while in the attic it remained around the limit of 200 Bq/m³. The highest values were measured in the basement – up to 4,000 Bq/m³, which was the main source of radon in the living areas. Due to natural air flow, radon concentrations in the attic are usually lower. After implementing ventilation, values throughout the house were reduced to a safe level.
Conclusion
Radon is an invisible enemy that can have serious health impacts. However, thanks to modern technologies such as radon sensors and controlled ventilation, its concentration can be effectively monitored and risks to residents minimized. It is also important to conduct regular measurements, especially in areas with high radon risk, and to take appropriate measures to reduce exposure.
