Radon in Housing
Environmental Code Ch. 9 § 9, Swedish Radiation Safety Authority guidelines (SSMFS 2008:47)
What does it mean?
Radon is a radioactive gas formed naturally from the decay of uranium in bedrock and soil. It can enter homes through cracks in the foundation, via building materials like blue concrete (used 1929-1975), or through household water from drilled wells. Radon is odorless and invisible but is the second most common cause of lung cancer in Sweden after smoking.
Sweden's limit for radon in housing is 200 Bq/m³ (becquerel per cubic meter). Measurement is done using track film detectors during the heating season (October-April) for at least two months. If radon levels exceed the limit, various remediation measures are available depending on the source — from improved ventilation and sealing cracks to installing radon suction systems. The municipality can require action under the Environmental Code.
Key Points
- Sweden's limit is 200 Bq/m³ for existing housing
- Measurement must be done during heating season (October-April) for at least 2 months
- Three main sources: ground, building materials (blue concrete), and drinking water
- Second most common cause of lung cancer in Sweden after smoking
- The property owner is responsible for addressing radon issues in rental housing
Practical Tip
Ask your landlord whether radon testing has been done in the building and request to see the results. If you live on the ground floor or semi-basement in a radon-risk area, ensure ventilation works well. You can check your area's radon risk on SGU's (Geological Survey of Sweden) map service.
Legal Basis: Environmental Code Ch. 9 § 9, Swedish Radiation Safety Authority guidelines (SSMFS 2008:47)
Based on content from Bofrid's Knowledge Bank