There still is little radon in Dutch homes, especially in comparison with other European countries. This is apparent from measurements in the indoor air of almost 2,700 homes, that were conducted by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). On average, however, the measured values were slightly above those found 10 years ago, when RIVM also conducted measurements. This might be because people have been ventilating their homes less on account of increased energy prices. Breathing in radon is harmful to health, because it can cause lung cancer. It has also been established that smoking enhances radon’s harmful effects.
Radon is a gas that occurs naturally in the soil. It enters homes and buildings from the soil and building materials, such as concrete, brick or plaster. It has been estimated that radon causes around 400 out of a total of 11,000 new cases of lung cancer each year. Continuous ventilation ensures that radon is removed from the home and results in cleaner indoor air. As smoking enhances radon’s harmful effects, the best way to limit the harmful effects of the gas is to stop smoking.
Highest values in South Limburg and the Gelderland Rivers area
There is more radon in homes in the countries that neighbour the Netherlands. This is due to the composition of the soil. In the Netherlands, the soil in South Limburg and the Gelderland Rivers area naturally releases more radon than elsewhere in the Netherlands. RIVM measured slightly less radon in the Gelderland Rivers area than in South Limburg. The average values in South Limburg were similar to the global average.
There is less radon in homes built in or after 2013 than in older homes. RIVM also conducted measurements in more than 350 indoor workplaces and pubic buildings. The measured values and regional differences were comparable to those for homes. As for homes, the measured values were slightly above those found when measurements were last conducted.
Importance of ventilation
You cannot stop radon from entering your home, but you can make sure that your home is well ventilated. Ventilation prevents radon from accumulating in a space. Having clean air in your home is healthy. At the moment, RIVM is conducting a pilot study into the effects on indoor air quality of making homes more sustainable, e.g. through insulation.
Trend of radon values in homes and buildings
From time to time, RIVM conducts measurements to assess the radon values in homes and buildings. Measurements in homes were last conducted in 2013. The first measurements in workplaces and public buildings, such as schools, libraries and cinemas were conducted by RIVM in 2017.
This RIVM study was commissioned by the Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ANVS) and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment.