Measurement of fields, waves, and radiation in a small house in Sarrià–Sant Gervasi

Ground-floor home in Sarrià–Sant Gervasi, Barcelona

A set of small houses on a passageway: 6 Noucentista dwellings. Approximate construction date: 1910.

WHAT VALUES DID WE FIND?

There is a rising damp (capillary moisture) problem, typical of ground-floor buildings.

Regarding electromagnetic waves, the values are high (125 μW/m²).

Regarding alternating electric fields measured using the free-body (free of potential) method, the values are extreme (15 V/m), mainly due to the absence of an earth/ground connection, as the electrical installation is very old.

Regarding radon gas, the values are very high (190 Bq/m³).

WHAT VALUES SHOULD WE HAVE?

Electromagnetic waves: below 10 μW/m², and ideally below 0.1 μW/m².

Alternating electric fields: below 1.5 V/m, and ideally below 0.3 V/m.

Radon gas: below 60 Bq/m³, and ideally below 30 Bq/m³.

WHAT MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN?

For dampness, a slab with waterproofing will be built, and lime mortars will be used on load-bearing walls to ensure breathability and an alkaline environment that prevents mold growth. This slab will also help solve the radon problem.

For electromagnetic waves, shielding will be installed in the resting/sleeping area.

For alternating electric fields, we will work with the installer to reduce the fields in rest areas to acceptable levels. A very important measure is installing a very low-resistance earth/ground connection.