Radononderdrukking

Radononderdrukking refers to the methods and techniques used to reduce the concentration of radon gas within buildings. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes from the ground, primarily through cracks in foundations and floors. Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon is a known cause of lung cancer.

The primary goal of radononderdrukking is to minimize radon entry and/or remove it once it has entered the building. Common strategies include sealing cracks and openings in the building's structure to prevent radon from migrating from the soil into the living space. This is often the first line of defense.

If sealing alone is insufficient, active radon mitigation systems are employed. The most common and effective method is sub-slab depressurization (SSD). This involves installing a pipe that extends through the foundation slab into the soil or gravel beneath. A fan then continuously draws soil gas, including radon, from under the slab and vents it safely to the outdoors, away from the building's air intake. Another approach is sub-membrane depressurization, used in basements with dirt floors, where a plastic membrane is laid over the soil, and a similar fan system is used.

Other radononderdrukking techniques can include increased ventilation, either natural or mechanical, to dilute radon concentrations. However, these are generally less effective and more costly to operate than SSD systems. The effectiveness of any radononderdrukking measure should be confirmed by post-mitigation radon testing. Professional radon mitigation specialists are trained to assess building structures, identify entry points, and design and install appropriate mitigation systems.