Radon as a health risk is a global problem that each year is estimated to cause around 230,000 cases of lung cancer.

Blog post - 11 April 2019 09:10

Radon as a health risk – WHO report

The WHO’s latest report ‘Guidelines on Housing and Health’ describes how people’s housing and health are affected by a variety of factors. The report describes radon, among other factors, as a health risk. The report draws attention to the fact that radon should be regarded as a carcinogen on a par with tobacco smoke.

The harmful effects of radon are emphasised by, among other things, the WHO wanting to reduce the reference level for radon in home environments to 100 Bq/m³. That is one-third of the reference level established in Directive 2013/59/EURATOM, which is 300 Bq/m³.

Radon causes lung cancer

Radon as a health risk is a global problem that each year is estimated to cause around 230,000 cases of lung cancer, which has a high mortality rate. Radonova’s measurement expert José-Luis Gutiérrez Villanueva comments on the latest WHO report:

“It is important that radon is not singled out, but regarded as one pollutant among many. In this respect, the WHO’s report is clear and important. The report describes the harmful effects of radon, as well as how preventive measures can be used to reduce harmful radon levels. Bearing in mind the fact that radon causes a very high number of lung cancer cases, it is vital to speak plainly about this issue.

“While radon is a global problem, the WHO’s report makes it clear that radon needs to be tackled at national level. In order to be effective, each country needs a well-developed programme that can be adapted to the circumstances in each case.”

José-Luis Gutiérrez Villanueva has worked on radon issues for the last 15 years. He wrote his PhD on ‘Radon concentrations in soil, air and water in a granitic area: instrumental development and measurements’ (University of Valladolid, 2008), and is an expert in areas including data analysis and different ways of measuring radon. As secretary of the European Radon Association, José-Luis also has extensive experience of international work with radon.

More information and the report ‘Guidelines on Housing and Health’ are available here»

FAQs about radon and radon measurement»

Topics

Contacts

Dr. José-Luis Gutiérrez Villanueva

Press contact Specialist Radon Measurement Radonova Laboratories joseluis.gutierrez@radonova.com +46 (0) 709 368 312

Karl Nilsson

Press contact CEO Radonova Laboratories karl.nilsson@radonova.com

Zan Jones

Press contact Vice President, Sales and Marketing United States and Canada zan.jones@radonova.com 001 (214) 536-6666 Radonova North America

Related media

What is radon?
License: Media Use
The content may be downloaded by journalists, bloggers, columnists, creators of public opinion, etc. It can be used and shared in different media channels to convey, narrate, and comment on your press releases, posts, or information, provided that the content is unmodified. The author or creator shall be attributed to the extent and in the manner required by good practice (this means, for example, that photographers should be attributed).
File format: .mp4
Length: 0:44

About Radon - Summary
License: Media Use
The content may be downloaded by journalists, bloggers, columnists, creators of public opinion, etc. It can be used and shared in different media channels to convey, narrate, and comment on your press releases, posts, or information, provided that the content is unmodified. The author or creator shall be attributed to the extent and in the manner required by good practice (this means, for example, that photographers should be attributed).
File format: .pdf

Intercomparison test: Radonova receives high marks from PHE

Radonova Laboratories has achieved outstanding results in a preliminary comparative reference test performed by Public Health England.

British Columbia Lung Association chooses Radonova’s radon detectors to offer consumers a fast, efficient, and accurate way to detect radon levels in homes, schools and workplaces.

14 June 2019 14:00

British Columbia Lung Association to Provide Radonova’s Test Kits for Home, Workplace and School Radon Monitoring

Through its partnership with Radon Environmental, the British Columbia Lung Association (BCLA) is providing Radonova’s radon detectors to consumers to offer a fast, efficient, and accurate way to find out if your home, school or workplace has potentially hazardous indoor radon levels.

24 July 2019 15:00

Radonova Launches Full-Service Charcoal Radon Test Solution

Radonova has released a new product, Radonova QuickScreen, to widen its portfolio of radon measurement technologies.

14 January 2021 10:11

Personal radon dosimeters give LKAB full control over radon exposure levels

The international high-tech mining and mineral company LKAB always prioritises sustainability and safety in the workplace. This includes ensuring that the working environment does not expose staff to radon gas levels above the applicable limit values.
We met LKAB's work environment technician Johan Sjöström, who tells us how the company has used Radonova's personal radon dosimeters over the pa

17 July 2018 10:10

Global study confirms the harmful effects of radon

A study based on data from 66 countries and presented in Environmental Health Studies (EHP) confirms that there is a clear link between exposure to radon and the risk of lung cancer. Updated data from 2012 show that around 226,000 people died that year from radon-related lung cancer. That means that about three per cent of all those who die from some form of cancer do so because of radon.

David Lenden (second from left) and Radonova team members

23 January 2020 10:00

Expert Interview with David Lenden, Director of RPmatters

In this Expert Interview we talk to David Lenden, Director of RPmatters – a UK business dedicated to providing radiation protection advice and support across the UK.

Dr. Aaron Goodarzi, the Canada Research Chair for Radiation Exposure Disease.

3 October 2019 15:00

Expert Interview with Dr. Aaron Goodarzi – The Global Fight Against Radon

In this expert interview, we talk to Dr. Aaron Goodarzi, the Canada Research Chair for Radiation Exposure Disease, about the dangers of radon exposure.

26 May 2020 10:00

Radonova accelerates European expansion plan with German appointment

Radonova Laboratories has appointed Patrik Nöteberg, an experienced radon specialist, who will be responsible for the company's strategic growth in Germany. Like many other European countries, Germany has introduced new stringent national rules as a result of EURATOM Directive BSS 59/2013. This means that the demand for reliable, flexible and cost-effective radon measurements will increase. In add

The world’s most accurate radon detector for short-term measurement – Rapidos. The detector can measure radon with a relatively high degree of reliability, as the detector’s measurement volume is two to three times greater than that of other brands.

25 April 2019 09:10

Short-term measurement of radon: the right choice when selling a house

Radon is an issue that frequently crops up in connection with the sale of a house. When time pressures are a factor and quick decisions are needed, up-to-date and reliable measurement of radon levels in the home is often overlooked. One solution in these cases may be short-term measurement.

ROBIN is a state-of-the-art radon monitor which is compact, light and suitable for all types of ventilation control facilities where there is a need to monitor radon levels.

9 May 2019 15:00

Introducing Radonova’s Newest Product – ROBIN

Earlier in the year, Radonova took the strategic decision to broaden its range of radon measurement technologies.

3 July 2019 08:10

How many radon detectors are needed to measure a workplace?

Since the EU's new radiation protection directive (2013/59/Euratom) came into force in 2018, it is mandatory that employers should be aware of radon levels in the workplace. The new directive has entailed new national laws in member states, which has resulted in an increasing number of workplaces measuring radon levels.

Radon levels in North American residential environments may be increasing

19 December 2019 15:00

Alberta and Saskatchewan 2nd most radon-exposed populations on Earth claims latest research

A University of Calgary-led study has found that the Western North American Prairie provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan are the 2nd most radon-exposed populations on Earth.

6 September 2019 10:10

The Global Leader in Radon Measurements Kicks Off Another Year in Northern Spain

As our global team descended on the Northern coast of Spain for our annual kick off meeting, it was a good time to reflect on what has been an outstanding last twelve months for Radonova. One key highlight was seeing how our whole team embraced the purpose of our business, to decrease the number of lung cancer fatalities caused by radon exposure.

The definition of an accredited radon measurement is a measurement obtained using radon detectors from a laboratory which is accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025 and follows the instructions that accompany the detectors.

8 August 2019 11:10

Accreditation guarantees accurate radon measurement

Accreditation guarantees the quality of a radon measurement, in part because the laboratory's measurement processes are regularly checked by independent organizations. The definition of an accredited radon measurement is a measurement obtained using radon detectors from a laboratory which is accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025 and follows the instructions that accompany the detectors.

9 June 2020 10:00

Instrument veteran driven by helping customers

Fredrik Lindén has worked with radon measuring instruments for many years. When the radon measurement instrument division of Gammadata Instruments was acquired by Radonova in early 2019, Fredrik became part of a knowledgeable team in a very busy workshop.
Close customer contact

“I enjoy working at a company where my day-to-day activities are varied. They range from purchasing and invento

Radonova takes leading role in Polish radon measurement project.

25 February 2021 09:00

Radon concern and awareness grows in Poland

Like many of its European counterparts, in the summer of 2020 Poland implemented new regulation in relation to radon in the form of the 2013/59/EURATOM directive. In line with other European countries, official measurements will now have to last for at least one month between October and March with a reference level set at 300 Bq/m3.
Polish government recognizes radon as a significant public h

25 March 2021 10:12

Academic world plays a crucial role in radon research and development

In such a specific sector such as radon and radon measurement, global knowledge exchange often becomes a decisive success factor. It is also one of the reasons why Radonova has chosen to take an active role in academia. When studies and experiences are shared, environments are created which are more conducive to collaboration and working more effectively to reduce the negative effects of radon on

29 October 2020 10:00

A Guide to Understanding Radon Dosimetry

This is a brief introduction to radon dosimetry which describes what it is and when and how to use it. It has been put together with the help of Radonova's radon laboratory experts. Feel free to contact them if you have any questions or want more detailed information.
What is the difference between conventional radon measurement and using a radon dosimeter?

Normally, when measuring for r

25 June 2020 11:08

New Builds – the importance of measuring for radon in soil

When radon is being discussed, it frequently revolves around levels of radon in soil. This is not surprising. Radon leaking or being sucked from the ground is the cause of elevated indoor radon levels in 80 per cent of affected properties. However, it is important to note that radon content in the soil where the building is located, does not necessarily determine indoor radon levels. In most cases

Melker Lindberg, a seasonal worker at Radonova

11 June 2020 10:00

Seasonal workers are crucial to Radonova's operations

Radon measurement is largely seasonal, with May being the peak. But even from October, there are many days when thousands of detectors are sent to customers and then returned for analysis. To cope with the peaks across the year, seasonal staff play a pivotal role in Radonova's ongoing operations. We had a chat with 25-year-old Melker Lindberg who is now finishing his first season at Radonova.

17 September 2020 10:00

Frequently asked questions about radon measurement in workplaces

We thought it would be helpful to answer some of the most common questions asked about radon measurement in workplaces.
Radon and health risks
Radon is a decomposition product from uranium found in our bedrock. Because it is gas, it can leak into buildings through the ground. Depending on the building's construction and ventilation system design, elevated levels of radon can be created in in

If a measured annual average value is above the limit value, implement radon-reducing procedures.

15 October 2020 09:00

Should I be worried about temporarily high radon levels?

Radon levels in a house can vary considerably over 24 hours, and will be different depending on the day you take the measurement. However, if you consider the possibility of being exposed to elevated radon levels over a 10 to 20 year period, then the risk of developing lung cancer increases. Therefore, don’t worry about temporarily elevated radon levels just being above the limit value of 2