Houses that can kill, how is radon gas poisoning?

Radon gas poisoning is a real and pressing risk in several areas of our country. In numbers, around 1,500 people die each year due to this harmful gas that originates in the lower areas of some homes in Spain. As recognized by the World Health Organization, this danger is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths, second only to tobacco.

The biggest problem with radon gas is, according to the WHO, that it is commonly undetectable. It has no odor or visual presence, so it can sneak into our lives without us realizing it. A detector or meter is necessary to certify the level we have in our homes of this poison.

Until now, there has been a lot of misinformation surrounding the dangers of radon gas, which can be lethal in our homes, something to keep in mind especially if we are within the radon map. But from now on, the situation has improved, and the Government must provide assistance to the affected and promote the necessary information about this harmful gas for humans.

In the words of an affected person by radon gas contamination in their home who shared their story in the press, he commented on how he realized by using a meter that he had gas levels in his home ten times higher than the maximum limit set by the WHO. "My house could kill me," he stated.

The data on radon gas poisoning is very concerning, as there are 40% more deaths from this cause than from traffic accidents, when this gas had hardly been taken into account until now. It has been thanks to the European Union - whose research certified the thousand and five hundred annual deaths in our country - that in Spain there is a requirement to combat this poison. Spanish professors like Luis Quindós, from the University of Cantabria and an expert in radon, certify this view of the problem.

However, what to do if you live in a house that can kill you without you realizing it? Does that mean we should abandon the place? No, because everything can be solved.

How does radon gas poisoning occur?

Since last month, we have a European directive that forces Spanish authorities to control and evaluate the level of radon gas both in homes and in public places. Right now, the Government must subsidize the actions carried out in private homes to reduce the impact in our houses. The maximum allowable, according to the directive, is 300 becquerels.

How does radon gas poisoning act?

1. The gas originates in the basements of affected homes. From there, it seeps through cracks and other spaces.
2. It reaches our rooms and seeps into them. From there, those affected start to breathe radon gas.
3. It can take a long time for the effects to become apparent, and at that point, the lungs may be significantly affected.
4. All radon gas poisoning occurs silently and is undetectable.

• It is really important to be informed about the dangers lurking in a home or facility with the presence of this gas. Read about it, know your rights, and apply for the aids subsidized by the Government. By EU decree, there must now be funding for the reduction of the radon gas level in affected homes to 300 becquerels or at least to 50% of the volume of the situation when the gas was detected.
• Before, during, and after starting a shock plan against radon gas poisoning, we recommend that you monitor the level of contamination in all rooms of your home at all times. Professionally, with a meter.
• A one-time test is not enough. If radon gas is detected in your home, the most effective approach is to measure the contamination level over time. It is recommended to check every 90 days. Why? More than anything, because the presence of this gas does not remain at a constant level but can vary greatly depending on the circumstances. For example, in winter there are usually much higher levels.
• The problem of radon gas can be solved, but it must be tackled firmly and decisively. Likewise, if you want to buy a second-hand home in an area affected by the radon map, it is advisable to know whether this gas is present. It does not mean that it is an option to dismiss if the test is positive, but it does mean taking measures against it.