Each year, from October 1st to December 31st, the Federal Agency for Nuclear Control (AFCN) and its partners organize the Radon Action. This campaign aims to inform the public about the risks associated with radon, encourage residents to measure radon in their homes, and assist citizens with prevention and remediation.
This initiative is carried out with the Services d’Analyse des Milieux Intérieurs (SAMI) from the 5 Walloon provinces, coordinated by the Scientific Institute of Public Service (ISSeP) and the Regional Cell for Indoor Pollution Intervention of Bruxelles Environnement (CRIPI).
Radon, a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas, is naturally present in soils and can infiltrate homes. While harmless outdoors, prolonged exposure in an enclosed space increases the risk of lung cancer, being recognized as the second leading cause after smoking by the WHO.
In Belgium, the southern part of the country is more affected due to the nature of the subsoil, particularly in the regions of Verviers, Bastogne, Neufchâteau, Dinant, Marche, and Brabant Wallon. Concentrations can vary significantly from one building to another. An interactive map on the AFCN website allows you to check the average rate per municipality.
To determine if your home is affected, the Radon Action offers the possibility to order a detector for €20 (analysis included) via its website. The device should be placed on the ground floor in the most frequented room for three months between October and April, then returned for analysis.
Radon concentration is measured in Becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m³). In Belgium, it is recommended to take action from a reference level of 300 Bq/m³. If the result is below this, good ventilation is sufficient. If it exceeds the reference level, remediation solutions exist, and the AFCN along with SAMI experts can assist homeowners.
Participating in Radon Action 2026 is simple and can help protect your health and that of your family. More information is available on the websites of the AFCN and www.actionradon.be.
