“I don’t want to find myself in ten years with a third leg”, the radon measurement campaign has started in this department

The radon measurement and prevention campaign began in around fifty municipalities in Pays Thur Doller (Haut-Rhin). Two dosimeters were distributed per household in order to take stock of the presence of this radioactive and carcinogenic natural gas.

Radon represents a third of the average exposure of the French population to ionizing radiation. In France, it is responsible for 5 to 12% of lung cancers, with an increased risk for smokers (radon-tobacco synergy), which corresponds to 1200 to 2900 deaths per year.

This natural gas, radioactive, colorless and odorless, is present in the 46 municipalities of PaysThur Doller (Haut-Rhin). Since the start of the year, 276 kits have been distributed, two dosimeters per household, in order to provide a complete inventory of the situation. The results should be published next summer and the residents concerned should be guided to best reduce the presence of radon in their homes.

Last day of distribution in St-Amarin (68), this Tuesday, January 21, organized by the community of communes Pays Thur Doller, Atmo Grand-Est and the Regional Health Agency (ARS). At the end of the afternoon, there was nothing left of the 276 kits on offer.

It must be said that radon is of great concern to this particularly exposed population area. Sometimes even if it means fantasizing a little. “It’s a risk that affects me personally. I would like to know how I am exposed in my house and how to reduce this exposure. It’s an old house, with a basement, so well… it’s not trivial I don't want to find myself in ten years with a third leg.” says this resident who came to get a dosimeter.

“We have signed a health contract with the three communities of municipalities, Pays Thur Doller. This contract includes air pollution. 2/3 of the municipalities are classified in dangerous radon zones. We need to talk about this scary subject, people who are worried must be able to measure the radon level, which will also allow precise mapping.” adds Eddie Stutz, mayor of Malmerspach and vice-president of the community of municipalities.

Radon, naturally present in granite soils, mainly penetrates through the lower parts of the building which are either in contact with or closest to the ground. Basements, cellars, crawl spaces, cracks, pipes are the preferred entry points for radon. The geographical location of a building, its structure, but also its mode of occupancy will determine the risk of radon accumulation.

A little pedagogy is therefore not too much. Especially since simple gestures are enough. “The idea is to inform these residents, to make them aware, exposure to radon is the second cause of lung cancer. We try to offer them simple solutions such as ventilating for 10 to 15 minutes, twice a day. day They will receive at home by next summer, the individualized results of their accommodation as well as personalized recommendations from the ARS This will allow them to better understand the subject and to know if their lifestyle, their habitat. , influences the rate of radon. The kits are all reserved, it shows that they are interested in the subject and talk about it to those around them and set an example.” explains Fabienne Del Zotto, coordinator of the local health contract.

So don't panic. If you are concerned, kit or not, remember to regularly renew the indoor air andimitate the entry of radon by reinforcing the seal between the ground and the building.