RADON

Radon is a naturally occurring, colourless, odourless gas, which is radioactive and can enter buildings as a result of passing through cracks and fissures in the sub-soil. In high concentrations over a prolonged period of time, this gas has been linked to lung cancer.

‘The Indicative Atlas of Radon in England and Wales’, was released on 12th November 2007, and has been produced jointly by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and British Geological Survey (BGS). This Atlas supersedes the NRPB – W26 Radon Atlas 2002.

Radon Affected Areas
This Atlas defines ‘Radon Affected Areas’ in England and Wales. It is based on the results of measurements of radon in 460,000 homes. Although the radon data used in the production of this atlas comes from measurements in homes, the maps indicate the likely extent of the local radon hazard in all buildings.

How is a Radon Affected Area Defined?
‘Radon Affected Areas’ are parts of the Country with a 1% (or more) probability of present or future properties being above the ‘Radon Action Level’. It is recommended that the level of Radon gas should be measured in all properties within ‘Radon Affected Areas’.

The estimated radon potential for an individual property can be checked online at www.ukradon.org for a fee of (£3.53, inc VAT). A postcode is required.

When is Action Required?
If, as will be found in most cases, the result is under the ‘Radon Action Level’ for radon, 200 Bqm-3, the property does not need to have the radon level reduced.
If the result is over 200 Bqm-3, then there is a problem. In homes that do have a radon problem, the radon level can usually be reduced with simple, effective and reasonably inexpensive measures.

Testing for Radon in Existing Properties
It is very easy to test for the presence of Radon gas in your property. The current cost of a measurement is £39.95 including VAT. This includes the supply of two radon detectors, their subsequent analysis and the reporting of the result. All packaging and return postage are also included. Further information is available from the Health Protection Agency (01235 831600).

In addition, relatively straightforward measures are available to protect occupants of existing properties if Radon gas levels are found to be above the action level. These measures will depend upon the construction of the property and the concentration of Radon; it may be necessary for instance to install additional airbricks to improve ventilation under the floor.

The Building Research Establishment suggest that it is as easy to deal with as any other building defect that might be encountered when a survey is carried out, such as rising damp or timber decay. They do not consider it should be a reason for not buying a property.


Radon & New Dwellings / Extensions
In the construction of new dwellings / extensions in areas where there is a 3% (or more) chance of properties being above the radon action level, a radon report should be provided as part of a Building Regulation application to confirm whether basic precautions against radon are required.

Alternatively, it may be simpler to incorporate the precautions into the construction, even when they may not be required.

Areas with a 3% (or more) chance of properties being above the radon action level are centred upon the west side of the Island.


Radon & Local Search Results
Building Control is required to confirm, as part of a Local Search, whether properties fall within a radon affected area. For the purpose of a local search, areas where there is a probability of 1 – 3% of properties being above the radon action level will be confirmed as being in a radon affected area. There are currently 5 ‘blocks’ of land which fall within the 1 – 3% category affected across the Island.

Radon Reports
Reports can be ordered from the British Geological Survey’s website (www.bgs.ac.uk/shop) or a request form downloaded and sent by post.