Radon Risk? Ministry Promotes Measurement Boxes - Saxony-Anhalt families race to detect silent radon gas in their homes

Hundreds of households in Saxony-Anhalt are now checking their homes for radon. The colourless, odourless substance forms naturally as uranium and radium break down in the soil. Without proper testing, its presence often goes unnoticed—yet it can pose serious health risks.

Radon seeps into buildings through cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, or even porous walls. The highest levels typically gather in basements and ground-floor rooms, though living areas and bedrooms can also be affected. To assess exposure, residents place radon test kits in these spaces for several months.

Saxony-Anhalt has launched a measurement programme with around 500 participating homes. Each household can order up to two free radon test kits. The state's mountainous regions, particularly the Harz Mountains and the southern Harz foreland, often record elevated radon levels.

By the end of 2025, roughly 1.2 million German households will have taken part in official radon tests. Bavaria, Saxony, and Thuringia have been especially active, each conducting over 200,000 measurements. What is radon and how to test for it remains a crucial topic for homeowners.

The programme in Saxony-Anhalt aims to provide clearer data on radon exposure across the region. Results from the radon test kits will help residents take action if high concentrations are found. Officials stress that awareness and measurement are key to reducing long-term health hazards.