TECHNICAL BULLETIN
ISSUE 34 MARCH 2019
RADON GAS HOW TO TEST AND MITIGATE ROBERT OWEN, PROPERTECO
In this article, Robert Owen from propertECO explains how radon testing is carried out and how high levels of radon can be mitigated. This information may be useful for clients if a property is found to be in an area where radon levels may be higher than average. What is radon and what is the risk?
Radon is a very ‘short lived’ element produced by the radioactive decay of radium-226, which is found in uranium ores associated with phosphate rock, shales, igneous and metamorphic rocks such as granite. It is also associated with rocks such as limestone. Radon is a radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell or taste. Although more normally associated with areas built on rock, such as Cornwall, radon is present at low levels in the soil and probably accounts for the most common background radiation we are exposed to. It can accumulate in buildings and, when it builds up, it can be a serious risk to long-term health. When we inhale radon, the radioactive elements continue to emit radiation inside our lungs which our lung tissue Whilst we are all aware that smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer – did you know that according to the National Cancer Institute, Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in worldwide’1
absorbs, causing localised damage. This damage can progress and result in lung cancer. Given the risk, Public Health England have provided an online, interactive map which shows where high radon levels are more likely to occur across the UK, but as levels can vary from one building to the next, the most reliable way to find out if a property has high radon levels is to carry out tests. Radon detectors or radon monitors can take accurate measurements of radon in an individual home, which is a reliable test for identifying high levels of this unwanted natural gas. This means action can be taken to reduce the levels, and therefore reduce the health risk associated with it.
Types of radon testing
Testing for radon can be carried out by using passive tests – where no electrical power is required – or tests using digital devices which monitor radon levels over a longer period. Passive radon detectors are the more common choice and 1 https://www.ukradon.org/information/riskst
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