Relatively new to this area! Wondering what the difference is between lightweight concrete and blue concrete. Looking at a house that contains lightweight concrete but how do you know if it's the "dangerous" kind. There is a problem with radon in the house so it should be radon remediated in that case. Can someone help me understand the difference?
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
Blåbetong is a type of lightweight concrete. It was widely used from the 50s up until sometime in the 70s. (uncertain if it existed even earlier). The name comes from its bluish (blue-gray) color. The problem is that it is made from by-products of uranium production for nuclear power plants. There is, I believe, some type of blåbetong that is not as dangerous. Another lightweight concrete that is common from that time but especially in more modern houses is Siporex, siporex is light almost whitish. Siporex does not have problems with radon.
In principle, one should always be cautious about blåbetong in houses from these years, and if it is lightweight concrete in the house, it should be inspected (and possibly radon measured) before buying the house.
I have heard very strange and contrived statements from real estate agents about blåbetong when we were buying a house. One held their thumb over "light" in lightweight concrete in an inspection report and claimed that the house was built of concrete.
In principle, one should always be cautious about blåbetong in houses from these years, and if it is lightweight concrete in the house, it should be inspected (and possibly radon measured) before buying the house.
I have heard very strange and contrived statements from real estate agents about blåbetong when we were buying a house. One held their thumb over "light" in lightweight concrete in an inspection report and claimed that the house was built of concrete.
That's exactly how it sounds. Blåbetong is blue-gray and just as it seems to be in your case, it emits radon. Regular lightweight concrete is usually white. Are the radon levels high in the house??
P.s Have measured 340 in the annual average, remediation will be in the spring D.s
P.s Have measured 340 in the annual average, remediation will be in the spring D.s
Njä, the blåbetong was produced from alunskiffer. It was used from -29 to -75. More info can be found here: http://www.sodertalje.se/sodertalje/miljonatur/hushallet/radon.htmhempularen said:
Thanks for all the answers! Yes... there is radon in the house, and we will do a radon remediation immediately if we buy the house. It is estimated at around 380. It doesn't feel very nice, but according to the companies we have been in contact with, you can bring the value down to an acceptable level. I really hope that's the case! I became curious when I read in the property listing that it's lightweight concrete and not blue concrete. In my naivety, I thought lightweight concrete wasn't "dangerous." This is a very good site!
Alun shale contains 2 substances that are/have been of interest to the energy industry. It contains oil that was previously extracted (I didn't know it was as early as 29), and it also contains high levels of Uranium. First, Oil was extracted, and then when the nuclear power initiative began, Uranium was also extracted. The by-product was partly used for (blue) lightweight concrete.
Note that although Uranium is radioactive, it is not particularly strongly radioactive; it is only when it is processed (enriched) and enters its "proper" environment in the reactor that the radioactivity speeds up. Uranium is found in fairly high levels in almost all bedrock in Sweden.
Note that although Uranium is radioactive, it is not particularly strongly radioactive; it is only when it is processed (enriched) and enters its "proper" environment in the reactor that the radioactivity speeds up. Uranium is found in fairly high levels in almost all bedrock in Sweden.