Free detectors offered to residents
The councils of El Masnou and Corbera de Llobregat have launched a pilot project called RadóSalut to measure levels of radon gas in homes. The initiative, led by the Diputació de Barcelona in collaboration with the August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), aims to raise awareness about radon, the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and the top cause among non-smokers. Up to 1,200 passive detectors will be distributed to more than 600 households across the two towns. Residents who complete an online questionnaire about their knowledge of radon will receive a free detector to use in their homes.
Participation is key to protecting your health from the hidden effects of radon exposure.
Detectors are small and easy to install. They must be placed in living rooms or bedrooms on the lowest floor of the home and left for three months, the international standard measurement period. After that, they are returned to the local citizen service office for laboratory analysis.
Health risks and regional variation
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate in enclosed spaces like basements, posing long-term health risks. The project focuses on areas with differing radon levels: El Masnou is classified as a high-priority zone, while Corbera de Llobregat is in a moderate-priority category. This geographic diversity allows for more comprehensive data collection. The project, which also includes Sant Pere de Ribes, began in September 2026 with awareness sessions and the online survey. Results from the measurements will be analysed by IDIBAPS during the first half of 2027, with findings expected to be published by the end of that year.
Participants will receive their individual results by email and can decide whether to take corrective action. The broader data will inform future construction guidelines and public health campaigns. The project is funded with a 50,000 euro budget and aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 on health and well-being. Residents interested in joining can contact [email protected] or call 600 20 75 88.
Primary sources: Diputació de Barcelona, diba.cat. Reported by badalonadigital.com.
