Radon is a radioactive gas that constantly forms in the Earth's crust. It naturally enters the atmosphere, where it is diluted. The problem occurs when radon accumulates in closed rooms such as our homes, reaching concentrations that are harmful to health.
According to the Norwegian Cancer Society, radon is an invisible and odorless gas that kills about 300 people every year. NGU and the Directorate for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Preparedness (DSA) have created a warning map showing the results of larger-scale radon measurements in Norway.
How to detect radon?
Because radon is odorless and invisible, it is difficult to see, detect or smell. Therefore, you should measure the radon level in your home by contacting a company that sells measuring equipment.
DSA writes on its websitethat the Norwegian Radon Association has a list of its members, although there are other companies that also sell radon measuring equipment.
The NGU and DSA Radon Warning Map shows radon measurement results on a larger scale. It can be used to check whether you live in an area with high radon levels and whether you should consider measuring radon where you live.
When and for how long should radon be measured?
Radon should be measured in the winter months, from mid-October to mid-April, because this is when radon concentrations are highest. The measurement must take place over a period of at least two months.
On which floors and in which rooms should radon be measured?
Take measurements in at least two living rooms in your home, for example the living room and bedroom. If the house has several floors, measure at least one room on each floor.
Apartments in blocks that are located from the third floor above ground level usually do not require measurement.
How to find a company that sells radon measuring equipment?
Contact a company that sells radon measurements. We encourage you to contact several other companies to compare prices, among other things. You can find such a company by searching the Internet or using information websites.
The industry association Norsk Radonforening has an overview of members on its website, but there are also other companies. DSA does not grant any approvals and does not recommend one company over another. DSA also does not sell radon measurements.
The radon measurement season began on October 15 and will last until mid-April
You will do it yourself
You don't need a company to place the measuring equipment at your place, you do it yourself. Follow the instructions included with your measuring equipment.
Radon can be measured either with tracer foils or with an electronic radon measuring device, the procedure is the same. Check that your measurements comply with the DSA radon measurement procedure for homes. You can ask the following follow-up questions and you should receive answers to them:
– Do you offer radon measurements in accordance with the DSA radon measurement procedure in homes?
– Do you offer long-term measurements, lasting at least two months?
– Ask whether the manual contains guidelines on how to arrange measuring equipment in the house?
– Do you sell radon meters or measurement services that are calibrated?
– Do you use an accredited measurement laboratory or can you document that the measurement equipment participates with approved results in international comparative measurements?
– Can I receive a measurement report after the measurement is completed?
You can purchase radon measuring equipment through your municipality
In some cases, radon measuring equipment can be purchased through the municipality, often at a favorable price. Check it in your municipality.
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Source: Directorate for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (DSA), Geological Survey of Norway
Photo: Screenshot of a map from the website of the Norwegian Geological Survey (NGU)
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