What is radon?
Limestone
Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive gas. It comes from the radioactive decay of uranium which is found in small quantities in all soils and rocks, although the amount varies from place to place. It is particularly prevalent in granite and limestone areas.
How can radon affect me?
Radon in the soil and rocks mixes with air and rises to the surface where it is quickly diluted in the atmosphere. Concentrations in the open air are very low. However radon that enters enclosed spaces, such as buildings, can reach relatively high concentrations in some circumstances. As the radon decays, it forms minute particles of a radioactive substance which are called Radon daughters which, when inhaled can be deposited in the lungs. The radiation emitted by these particles as they decay can give high doses to lung tissue and may damage them. This product increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
What are safe levels of radon?
Radon Map of England and Wales
For the purpose of considering risk in the home the Health Protection Agency Radon Protection Division formerly the National Radiological Protection Board has advised the Government that the level of 200 Becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3) should be considered the Action Level. If the radon level in your home is close to or above the Action Level you should take action to reduce the level, ideally to well below the action level.
However a national survey carried out by the NRPB showed that most homes in the UK only have fairly low radon levels with an average of about 20 Bq/m3.
How do I find out what levels are present in my home?
Indicative Radon Map of the District
A map which has been produced by the Health Protection Agency and the British Geological Survey called the Indicative Atlas of Radon in England and Wales gives a very generalised overview of those areas of the UK which are at greater risk of being affected by radon.
The estimated radon potential for an individual property can be obtained from the UK radon website where a radon risk report can be purchased.
For an exact figure of the radon potential in an individual home the Health Protection Agency can conduct a radon survey which costs approximately £50. The test kit is sent via the post and incorporates two plastic detectors which should be placed within your home for approximately 3 months. At the end of this period the detectors are posted back to the HPA where they are analysed and the householder is then informed of the result and given advice by letter.
Information about obtaining a testing kit can be found on the UK Radon website or by viewing the leaflet entilted measuring radon below.
What if the result exceeds the Action Level?
As the risk from radon in the district is minimal if the action level was exceeded only basic protection measures would need to be implemented. Such measures can include introducing air bricks to the property or replacing old air bricks with more efficient modern ones which will increase natural under-floor ventilation. However the solution depends upon the radon level and the property construction. A leaflet on how to reduce radon levels within the home can be found at the bottom of the page.
Radon in the District
According to the latest indicative radon map produced by the Health Protection Agency and the British Geological Survey radon levels are generally low across the whole district and therefore the risks are minimal.
For more information with regards to radon levels within Aylesbury Vale’s district please contact:
The Land and Air Quality Team
Tel: 01296 585605
Email: envhealth@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk
To find out the radon potential for an individual property please visit the UK Radon website where you can purchase a radon risk report.
For more general information regarding radon please visit the following websites;
Health Protection Agency (HPA) Radon UK Website
British Research Establishment (BRE)
British Geological Survey (BGS)
Date Updated: 07/03/11
Downloads:
File name | Summary | File size / Download time | File Format |
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What is Radon? | Leaflet published by the Health Protection Agency | 542KB
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The Risks to Your Health from Radon | Leaflet published by the Health Protection Agency | 111KB
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Measuring Radon | A leaflet published by the Health Protection Agency | 741KB
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Reducing Your Risk | | 100KB
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Radon and House Sales | A leaflet produced by the Health Protection Agency | 92KB
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Radon in the Workplace | A leaflet published by the Health Protection Agency | 124KB
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