Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally. It has no taste, smell or colour and special devices are needed to detect it.

Radon is everywhere, usually at levels that pose negligible risk. The first thing everyone should know is that even in areas the Government has identified as affected by radon, most homes do not have a radon problem.

However, some do - but in affected houses the problem of radon can usually be tackled with simple, effective and relatively inexpensive measures.

Where does Radon come from?

When uranium decays, it becomes radium, and when radium decays, it becomes radon. Uranium is found in small quantities in all soil and rocks, but amounts vary from place to place. There can be marked variations even over small areas, and may be different levels of radon even between neighbouring buildings.

Radon rises from the soil into the air; outdoors, radon is diluted and the risk it poses is negligible. When it is confined to enclosed spaces, however, concentrations can build up.

Is Radon dangerous?

It should be emphasised that when the radon concentration is high, it does pose a serious risk to your health. Radioactive decay of radon forms particles called 'radon daughters'. If you breathe these in they may damage lung tissue. Many health studies around the world have linked radon with lung cancer.

Radon is the second largest cause of lung cancer - the first is smoking. People who are exposed to high levels of radon are more likely to get lung cancer (much more so if they are smokers).

What should be done by people in affected areas?

The Government recommends that people in affected areas test their homes for radon. There is a postal test offered by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) that involves monitoring radon in the home with simple, safe devices for a period of three months. The analysis is carried out by the HPA and the results are sent back to the property owner.

Further information on this can be found on the website below :

www.hpa.org.uk/radiation

What steps can be take to reduce the risk of Radon ?

Households at risk from radon can easily take simple and effective steps to make their home safe, the main ways being :
 

• Install a radon sump system under or alongside the home with a fan and pipe to remove the radon
• Improve ventilation under suspended timber floors extra airbricks or vents
• Use positive ventilation in your house which blows fresh air or air from the loft space into the house
• Seal cracks and gaps in solid concrete floors
• Change the way your house is ventilated