We are pleased to announce that LivAir has been an associated partner of SmartLivingNEXT since November 2023. In an insightful interview with our Managing Director and radon expert, Dipl. Ing. Martin Waltl, we dive deep into the world of digitalization in the building sector and discuss our motivation for joining SmartLivingNEXT as a start-up.
Why is good indoor air essential for smart living?
In our interview, we shed light on how the future of living and working will be shaped by sustainable and energy-efficient solutions. LivAir is at the forefront of this movement with our innovative sensor system that measures indoor air and enables ventilation to be adapted to people's occupancy patterns. This is a decisive step towards ensuring optimum air quality in buildings.
The role of LivAir in SmartLivingNEXT
As an associated partner of SmartLivingNEXT, we are contributing to the development of an interoperable, AI-controlled and decentralized data room. Our indoor air sensor technology enables the rapid provision of measured values for this data room without the need for extensive building renovations. This opens the door for other software providers to develop their own solutions based on our measurement sensor technology and creates a win-win situation for everyone involved.
AI and individualized ventilation concepts
Another key topic of the interview is the role of artificial intelligence (AI) at LivAir. AI enables us to filter trends from a wide range of data and develop individual ventilation concepts for every interior. This fits perfectly with SmartLivingNEXT's vision of promoting intelligent, cross-industry applications and services that reduce energy consumption in buildings and thus help to reduce CO₂ emissions.
Read the complete interview
We cordially invite you to read the full interview on smartlivingnext.com to read. Find out more about our vision, LivAir's role in the digital transformation of the building sector and how we are setting the course for the future together with SmartLivingNEXT.
Through our partnership with SmartLivingNEXT and our commitment to smart building technologies, we are setting another milestone in our mission to improve the quality of life in buildings by optimizing indoor air quality. Discover the future of smart living and working with us.
We are proud to be a partner of GPTI and to have made an important contribution to the topic of radon
As a leading company in the field of air quality monitoring, we are committed not only to providing innovative solutions such as LivAir, but also to raising awareness of health risks in our buildings. With this in mind, we are pleased to announce our partnership with the German Platform for Technology & Innovation (GPTI) and share our latest technical paper on the topic of "Radon - The invisible risk in our buildings".
An invisible risk is made visible
Radon, an invisible, odorless and radioactive gas, poses a serious health risk, especially as it is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Our article on GPTI highlights the dangers posed by radon and explains why continuous monitoring of indoor air quality is essential.
LivAir as a solution for a healthy indoor climate
At LivAir, we offer a comprehensive air quality monitoring solution, including radon concentration. With real-time data and intelligent analysis, LivAir helps to identify radon problems and improve overall air quality. This leads to a healthier and safer indoor environment.
Read the full article on GPTI
We invite you to read the full article on GPTI's website to learn more about radon and its effects and how LivAir can help minimize the risks. Visit Radon - The invisible risk in our buildings on GPTI.
Conclusion
Our mission at LivAir goes beyond providing advanced technologies. We are committed to educating and raising awareness about air quality risks. Our partnership with GPTI and contribution to the radon issue is a testament to our commitment to creating healthy and safe environments. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and making a difference together.
The first Radon Information Day in the district of Wunsiedel i. Fichtelgebirge will take place on November 25, 2023. This important event, which will take place from 12 noon to 6 p.m. in the Wunsiedel District Office and the Fichtelgebirgshalle, offers a comprehensive platform for raising awareness about radon, a naturally occurring radioactive noble gas. LivAir will be on site in collaboration with RadonTec to provide comprehensive information and solutions on the subject of radon.
Why radon?
Since February 11, 2021, the district of Wunsiedel has been an official radon precautionary area. In such areas, it is required by law to measure the radon concentration in workplaces. If these values exceed 300 Bq/m³ of air, appropriate countermeasures are required. Radon is the second most common cause of lung cancer and therefore poses a serious health risk.
What does the information day offer?
The Radon Information Day offers a unique opportunity to obtain comprehensive information about radon and its effects. In addition to a varied lecture program, which includes concrete examples of remediation and demonstrations of measuring devices, numerous experts, remediation companies and consultants will be available to answer questions at information stands.
LivAir & RadonTec: Your experts on site
LivAir, known for innovative solutions for measuring air quality, and RadonTec, a specialist in radon remediation, are jointly offering comprehensive advice and solutions. At the LivAir and RadonTec stand, you can not only find out about the latest technologies for radon measurement and remediation, but also receive individual advice for your specific concerns.
Exclusive offer: Our information brochure incl. 6-step plan against radon
As a special offer, we provide a specially created information brochure for the district of Wunsiedel on our website. This brochure contains valuable information and a practical guide to radon measurement and remediation. To get access to this free brochure, simply fill out the small form at the end of this article. After you have registered with your e-mail address, the download link will be sent to you.
We look forward to welcoming you to the first Wunsiedl Radon Information Day on November 25 and working together for a healthier and safer environment. Visit us at the LivAir and RadonTec stand and become part of the solution in the fight against radon.
Place and time:
Wunsiedel District Office and Fichtelgebirgshalle
November 25, 2023, 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Catering will be provided and there will also be activities for children, such as the JuKu-Mobil (youth art mobile) and a bouncy castle. We look forward to your visit!
Autumn marks the start of the radon measurement season in many countries. The heating period in particular, which often extends from October to March or April, is considered the optimal time for radon measurements.
The reason for this lies in the seasonal fluctuations in radon concentrations in buildings. In addition to other factors such as weather conditions and usage behavior, the radon concentration can fluctuate considerably between the seasons. A measurement at the height of summer can lead to lower radon levels, as doors and windows are opened more often, resulting in better ventilation of the building and therefore lower radon levels. The Federal Office for Radiation Protection therefore advises: "To obtain more accurate results, you should measure in winter if possible so as not to underestimate the annual average value."
Annual average value as reference The reference value for radon is based on an annual average value, which represents the average radon concentration over an entire year. In Germany, a measurement period of twelve months is generally recommended for measurements in accordance with § 127 or § 128 of the Radiation Protection Act.
International differences in measurement duration Other countries have different standards for the duration and timing of radon measurements in buildings:
Austria: The annual measurement is shortened to six months, whereby at least half of the measurement must take place during the heating period (October 15 to April 15).
Switzerland: An exposure period of one year is prescribed here, but at least 90 days during the heating period (October to March) without seasonal correction.
With LivAir, you can ensure that you get accurate and reliable radon measurements, regardless of the time of year. It's important to stay informed and take the right steps to ensure indoor health and safety.
Photo: Adobe Stock (276167538)
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that escapes from the earth's crust. In certain regions, such as parts of Saxony, the concentration of this gas in buildings can be dangerously high, posing health risks.
A recent article in the Saxon newspaper from September 19, 2023, highlights the economic and health challenges that radon poses for contractors and building owners in Saxony (Germany):
The economic challenge: Goldsmith Sarah Böhme in Dippoldiswalde had to close her store because the radon levels in her business premises were too high. Despite efforts to reduce the levels, they remained dangerously high. The cost of sealing the affected walls or installing ventilation technology would have been enormous.
The health challenge: Radon has been linked to lung cancer. While short-term exposures, such as those occurring in radon spas, are considered relatively safe, long-term exposure in living and working spaces can increase the risk of lung cancer.
The legal challenge: Since 2021, employers in Saxony's radon precautionary areas have had to measure the radon concentration in first floors or basements where employees regularly spend time. Exceedances of the reference value of 300 becquerels per cubic meter must be reported and measures taken to reduce them.
LivAir offers solutions to overcome just such challenges. Our technology captures precise air quality values and detects radon to inform optimized control systems. This enables building owners and managers to be proactive and protect both people's health and their investments.
Public buildings in Saxony, including schools and daycare centers, are affected by radon contamination. A newly introduced funding program is intended to support the remediation process.
Over the past six years, radiation measurements in public buildings throughout Saxony have revealed numerous cases of radon levels that require protective measures for residents. In response to a question from the AfD parliamentary group, Environment Minister Wolfram Günther (Greens) recently provided an up-to-date overview.
According to the report, 243 of the buildings examined showed radon-222 activity concentrations of over 300 becquerels per cubic meter of air in individual measurements. Furthermore, in 145 of these buildings, the annual average of measurements taken over the year exceeded this limit. The affected rooms include administrative buildings, courts, tax offices, police stations, educational institutions and even the state chancellery in Dresden, the official seat of the state government of Saxony.
Measurements were also carried out in schools and daycare centers. In 32 nurseries and kindergartens throughout Saxony, an average annual exposure of well over 300 becquerels was recorded. In schools, no less than 114 facilities throughout the state reported such high annual values.
A reference value above 300 becquerels is not a strict limit value that prohibits the use of radon-contaminated rooms. Instead, it serves as a guideline value that indicates when those responsible for these rooms or workplaces should consider measures to reduce radiation exposure. Such measures include targeted ventilation strategies, floor remediation, the installation of ventilation filters, surface sealing or systems for extracting radon from the environment. If the reference value is still exceeded after these measures, the affected rooms must be reported to the State Office for the Environment, Agriculture and Geology, the responsible radiation protection authority, for further investigation.
Radon itself is a radioactive noble gas. It is difficult to detect as it is invisible, odorless and tasteless. According to the Federal Office for Radiation Protection, it is one of the main causes of lung cancer after smoking.
Just a few days ago, the state government of Saxony launched a new funding program to support necessary protection and renovation measures. Municipalities, municipal companies, non-profit organizations, recognized religious communities and small and medium-sized enterprises can receive up to 60,000 euros through this initiative.
