Radon is a carcinogenic radioactive gas originating from the ground. It is invisible as well as odourless and can accumulate in homes.
To raise awareness about the risks of radon exposure, Luxembourg observed a national "Radon Day" on Thursday, focusing on ways to safeguard against this threat.
Radon is the second most common cause of lung cancer, even if at 5-15% of cases, it still trails significantly behind smoking as a risk factor. Nonetheless, the Ministry of Health advises vigilance, especially in the northern regions of the country where radon levels tend to be higher. According to Karin Pier from the Radiation Protection Division (DRP), the prevalence of shale soil in the north can facilitate the spread of ground-based radon into homes. "This is particularly the case in older houses without concrete slabs," explains Patrick Majerus of the National Health Directorate. However, the potential for radon exposure exists in all homes. Only new houses are considered relatively safe.
Individuals concerned about radon exposure can obtain a free detection kit through sante.lu. The kit should be placed in the home for three months, between October and April, and subsequently returned to the National Health Laboratory (LNS) for evaluation through a chemical process. The acceptable limit value is 300 Becquerel per cubic metre. If levels reach 600, it is imperative to start renovation work. Pier reassures that the cost is generally manageable, saying, "People often fear they'll have to leave their homes, but renovations typically run around €5,000. Radon exposure is evaluated with a focus on the span of one's life, so any additional time taken for renovations is of little concern."
It is important to note that radon levels may differ from one home to another, so relying on a neighbour’s situation does not guarantee the safety of your own residence. To ensure accuracy, measurements should be conducted individually.
Full report by RTL Télé (in Luxembourgish)
