Radiation Protection in 2019 includes protection against radon at the workplace

So far the radon value has only been measured at certain workplaces with known high radon exposure. From 2019, however, protection against high radon concentrations will be extended in the Radiation Protection Act. By the end of 2020, federal states must determine which areas and in which buildings a high radon level is to be expected. Airthings technology can help. Read more!

The EU has recognized the dangers of radiation, and especially radon in the home and for this reason revised the Radiation Protection Act. Landlords, homeowners and employers are then obliged to keep the radon concentration below a limit value. This standard value for too high a radon value is 300 Becquerel per cubic metre. If the measured value exceeds this number, appropriate measures must be taken.

But what is radon and how can you protect yourself?

Radon is a decomposition product of radium and occurs as an invisible, odorless, tasteless and radioactive noble gas. Unfortunately, the gas is the main cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and, according to a report in the medical journal, the biggest environmental risk factor for further cancer. Radon enters the lungs via the respiratory tract, where it is deposited and decomposes. The resulting alpha radiation damages cells and DNA.

The value of radon concentration in the air fluctuates daily. For this reason, it is particularly important to measure regularly and act directly in the event of high exposure. An initial countermeasure can be to ventilate the room. If this does not reduce the radon concentration, further measures must be taken.

Your health, productivity and energy consumption are significantly influenced by air quality. With its Wave and Wave Plus products, the Norwegian company Airthings offers intelligent and battery-powered monitors that use sensitive sensors to provide information about the indoor air. While Airthings Wave measures radon, humidity and temperature, Airthings Wave Plus measures overall indoor air quality. In addition to the Wave’s readings, Wave Plus provides data on carbon dioxide (CO2), airborne chemicals (TVOC) and air pressure. As soon as a value shows too high a concentration, the user is alerted.

Get an overview with the help of Airthings

Airthings additionally offers a radon world map in real time. The map provides an overview of radon exposure in enclosed spaces worldwide. The Airthings dashboard in the web view also provides detailed information on outdoor air quality. The user-friendly application runs on iOS and Android. How clean the indoor air is can be seen by a short wave in front of the integrated motion sensor. A colour code according to the traffic light principle (red, yellow, green) provides the user with information about the air quality. Airthings Wave and Airthings Wave Plus provide comprehensive information on air quality and give helpful tips for healthy, clean air and energy saving.

Source image: Press Airthings