The health risk of radon is bound to specific geological conditions, so that a significant local to regional stress is triggered which - within the scope of real estate transactions, building permits or land development – absolutely needs to be considered.


A recent study indicates that in Germany about 1,900 lung cancer deaths per year are caused through radon in homes. This represents almost half of the fatalities on German roads.

Previous studies also demonstrate a linear relationship between long-term radon concentration and the risk of lung disease. The relative risk of lung cancer increases by about 16% per increase in radon concentration of 100 Bq/m³. The joint effect of smoking and radon is mutually reinforcing. The absolute risk of lung cancer from radon is therefore dramatically heightened to smokers.


In its recent statement, the Radiation Protection Commission comes to the conclusion that  "in decisions on practical measures to reduce the radon levels in homes, the range below 250 Bq/m³ already as to be taken into consideration.
It points out that in new studies on non-smokers even in the 100-199 Bq/m³ range an increase in lung cancer risk can be detected.


Essentially, there is no threshold known below which no health hazard exists.