Radon Risk? Ministry Promotes Measurement Boxes - Saxony's Silent Threat: Hundreds Test Homes for Invisible Radon Gas

Hundreds of households in Saxony are now checking their homes for radon gas. The colourless, odourless substance forms naturally as uranium and radium break down in the soil. Without proper radon 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 detection kits in these spaces for several months.

Saxony has launched a measurement programme with around 500 participating homes. Each household can order up to two free 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. Radon testing remains the only reliable way to determine whether a property faces heightened risks.

The programme in Saxony aims to provide clearer data on radon exposure across the region. Results from the detection 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.