Radon in the basement
Causes, risks and solutions for radon in basements in the canton of Bern; the comprehensive guide from Haustrocknung.ch - your regional expert for radon measurement, radon reduction and basement dehumidification
Radon - the invisible risk in many Bernese homes
Core statements
- Radon is a colorless and odorless noble gas. It is produced when uranium decays in the ground and enters the building through leaks in the foundations.
- Alongside smoking, radon is the most common cause of lung cancer. Countermeasures should be taken from a concentration of 300 becquerels per cubic meter.
- Measure the radon concentration using dosimeters from a recognized radon measuring station of the FOPH. If the radon concentration is above the threshold value, ventilation, sealing cracks and pipe penetrations, radon ventilation or radon drainage will help.
1. What is radon?
Radon is a radioactive noble gas that is produced when uranium decays in the ground. It rises with the soil air and enters buildings through the smallest of leaks. Particularly affected are
- Cellar
- Basement rooms
- Older buildings
- Poorly sealed floor slab
- Houses in radon risk areas
Radon enters the house via the cellar
2. Health risks due to radon
Radon is the second most common cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Particularly at risk:
- Smoker
- Children
- Older people
- People who spend a lot of time in the basement or first floor
Radon itself is largely exhaled when inhaled. The decay products (polonium, bismuth, lead), which are deposited in the lungs and emit alpha radiation there, are dangerous.
«There is a risk of developing lung cancer from radon exposure even at low radon concentrations.»
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH, Guidance Radon V2.3 02.02.2023
3. Radon limit values in Switzerland
- WHO recommendation: 100 Bq/m³
- WHO upper limit: 300 Bq/m³
- Switzerland (BAG / BAFU): 300 Bq/m³ reference value
- Workplaces: Measures from 1000 Bq/m³
4. Radon in the canton of Bern
Switzerland is one of the countries with an elevated radon potential. The canton of Bern has above-average levels in many regions.
Radon hotspots in the canton of Bern
- Emmental (Langnau, Trub, Eggiwil)
- Oberaargau (Huttwil, Madiswil, Kleindietwil)
- Bern Mittelland (Münsingen, Worb, Bolligen)
- Thun and surrounding area
- Seeland (Aarberg, Lyss, Kallnach)
Radon map of Switzerland (source: BAG): Probability of a radon concentration in the living space higher than 300 Bq/m³
5. Measuring radon - how it works
Radon measurement is simple and reliable. ⇓ «Wegleitung Radon V2.3 02.02.2023» of the Federal Office of Public Health FOPH (German)
Passive measurement (dosimeter)
- At least 90 days
- Ideal in winter
- Cost-effective
- Very reliable
Active measuring devices
- Real-time measurement
- Ideal for remediation control
Short-term measurements
- 2-4 weeks
- For orientation only
6. Radon reduction - effective solutions
⇓ «Wegleitung Radon V2.3 02.02.2023» of the Federal Office of Public Health FOPH (German)
1. Ventilation
- Cross ventilation
- Automatic cellar ventilation
- Ideal for slightly elevated values
2. Sealing
- Seal cracks
- Seal cable penetrations
- Sealing cellar doors
- Automatic control
- Humidity sensors
- Significant reduction of radon + moisture
4. Radon wells / radon drainage
- Negative pressure under the building
- Very effective at high values
5. Combinations
- Sealing + ventilation
- Radon wells + sealing
- Ventilation + dehumidification
Measures to protect against radon
7. Conclusion: Effective radon reduction in the canton of Bern
Radon is an invisible but serious risk. Many buildings are affected, particularly in the canton of Bern. The good news is that radon can be reliably measured and effectively reduced.
With the right combination of
- Ventilation
- Sealing
- dehumidification
- Structural measures
radon levels can be permanently reduced. Haustrocknung.ch supports you in this - competently, regionally and reliably.
Contact us without obligation
Do you have any further questions or may we prepare an offer for you?
Contact us without obligation. The initial consultation is free of charge. We look forward to your inquiry!
Contact us without obligation. The initial consultation is free of charge. We look forward to your inquiry!
Tobias Bayer
Managing Director
