A silent and hitherto underestimated concern is emerging strongly in the hotel sector in southern Gran Canaria: the presence of radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that, invisible and odorless, poses a significant risk to the health of workers and visitors. This threat, often overlooked in the construction and maintenance of tourism infrastructure, has been highlighted by a recent report by Molins Construction Solutions, urging urgent action on the island's aging hotel infrastructure.
Radon is the result of the natural decay of uranium and thorium, elements ubiquitous in soil and rocks. Although it dissipates safely outdoors, its accumulation indoors is a cause for serious concern. This gas infiltrates buildings through cracks in foundations and floors, gaps around pipes, drains, and other unsealed openings. Once confined, its levels can rise to dangerous concentrations.
The main concern lies in its radioactivity. When inhaled, radon and its decay products are deposited in the lungs, where the emitted radiation can damage lung cells over time. Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon is recognized as the second leading cause of lung cancer, surpassed only by smoking. The risk increases exponentially in smokers.
The problem is exacerbated in Gran Canaria due to the age of its tourist infrastructure. A report by Molins Construction Solutions highlights that more than 50% of the island's hotels are over thirty years old. For decades, concerns about this gas were not part of construction or renovation protocols, allowing radon to run rampant in the bowels of these establishments. This gas can intensely affect workers who spend long hours in reception areas, bazaars, or supermarkets within these buildings.
The magnitude of the challenge is undeniable. The Nuclear Safety Council has warned that 57% of the Canary Islands are located in a high-risk radon zone. This means that more than half of the island harbors a silent threat that, unnoticed, can undermine the health of those who live, work, or vacation in its buildings, especially on the ground floors.
Faced with this scenario, Molins Construction Solutions has taken the initiative, becoming the first operator to launch a specific solution: a paving solution designed to act as a barrier against radon. This proposal, presented at the "Great Hotel Debate" in Gran Canaria, not only seeks to improve the airtightness of buildings but also optimize thermal insulation and, consequently, reduce operating costs.
Juan Antonio Reyes, Sales Manager for Flooring in Molins, emphasizes the importance of this perspective: "Nowadays, talking about tourism competitiveness also means talking about air quality, energy efficiency, and building safety. Hotel renovation is not just an investment in infrastructure; it's an investment in the future of the destination."
The entry into force of the National Radon Plan in 2025 marks a turning point. What was once a recommendation or good practice now becomes a legal obligation for all spaces used for work or public purposes, including hotels located in risk areas. This regulatory framework promotes hotel renovation not only as a need for modernization, but as a strategic opportunity to integrate technical criteria that contribute to health, sustainability, and, ultimately, greater competitiveness for the destination. The shadow of radon, although unwanted, forces the sector to make progress that might otherwise have taken much longer to materialize. It is proof that sometimes the law must prevail over common sense.
