Radon Measurements (Soil Air / Building Ground)

Radon is a natural, radioactive noble gas. It is a decay product of uranium, which occurs in varying concentrations in the soil and bedrock. Crystalline rocks such as granite have higher uranium concentrations, but sandstones and mudstones can also have appreciable enrichments.
The radon escapes from the rock and reaches the earth’s surface with the soil air. Outdoors, radon concentrations are negligible. However, if it enters buildings and accumulates there, this can result in a significantly increased risk of lung cancer. After smoking, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon gas is not detectable by smell or taste.

Soil air measurement with AlphaGUARD

Soil air probe with packer system

In many areas of Germany, elevated radon concentrations are present in the soil air. This is relevant for existing buildings, as radon can accumulate in rooms in contact with the ground. High radon activity concentrations in occupied rooms or at workplaces can result in a significant increase in the risk of lung cancer.
But also in the case of new buildings, the focus is increasingly on soil investigations with regard to radon. Although modern construction methods are largely radon-proof when moisture protection is observed in accordance with the recognized standards of technology, further protective measures should be taken in the case of high radon concentrations in the soil air. It was also shown that even low radon concentrations in the soil air can lead to a considerable accumulation in the building and thus to a radon problem.

Measurements of the radon activity concentration in the soil air should therefore be part of a subsoil investigation in most cases. Existing radon maps give a basic impression of the radon situation, but the radon concentration in the soil air can be extremely different from region to region.
Only a measurement can give a concrete statement about the radon situation in a building area or at a building site. This helps to avoid unnecessary risks and to plan radon protection measures in advance.

Soil air measurement for radon with AlphaGUAR
and packer probe

Our services to you include:

Measurement of the radon activity concentration in the soil air by means of the radon measuring instrument AlphaGUARD DF2000 and soil air probe with packer system. The procedure follows the technical specifications of the Bavarian State Office for the Environment (LfU).
Simultaneous soil identification and measurement of soil permeability
Determination of the radon potential
Advice on precautionary radon protection for new buildings
Project management, construction supervision
Control measurements after completion of construction