What is Radon?
Radon is a natural radioactive gas which is emitted in varying quantities from all rocks and soils. It is the single biggest source of public radiation exposure in the UK. If it escapes from the ground to the open air, it is quickly diluted to low concentrations. However, when radon enters our homes and either the ventilation is poor or excessively large amounts are present, it can build up to high concentrations. If we live in these high concentrations over a long period of time, we face an increased risk of lung cancer.
The mean radon concentration in UK homes is about is 21 Becquerelsper cubic metre (Bq m-3 ). In 1990 the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) advised that action should be taken to reduce radon concentrations in existing homes if the radon concentration exceeded an Action Level of 200 Bq m-3 in a room averaged over a year. This isten times the average UK domestic radon concentration.
The NRPB have recently merged with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and is now the Radiation Protection Division of the HPA. In July 2010 the HPA introduced a new Target Level for radon of 100 Bq m-3. The decision was taken to introduce the Target Level after recent research showed that the health effects of radon are seen below the 200 Bq m-3 Action Level especially for those who smoke or who are ex-smokers. This level does not replace the Action Level. The principle role of the Target Level is to provide an objective for remedial action in existing homes and preventative action in new homes.
Radon in Wokingham Borough
Northern parts of the borough including Remenham, Aston, Charvil and parts of Twyford and Wargrave, are located in a Radon Affected Area. In this area it is estimated that 1-3% of domestic properties have radon levels at or above the Action Level of 200 Bq m-3.
Charvil Radon Survey 2009
In summer 2009 residents of Charvil within the radon affected area were invited to take part in a radon survey. A ‘first come first served’ approach was adopted, offering a free radon testing kit to the first 50 respondents. There was an overwhelming response with over 400 households wishing to take part. Those who were unsuccessful in obtaining a free kit were able to take advantage of a reduced price kit.
A total of 160 households were sent kits. 142 kits were returned for testing. 18 households failed to return kits that they had received for free.
The overall results matched the anticipated results, in that between 1 and 3% of homes in the survey recorded levels at or above the Action Level. The households affected were advised of remedial measures that may help reduce their levels. One other household with borderline results was advised to consider remedial action.
The new guidance produced by the HPA in July 2010 recommends that householders with radon measurement results in between the Target and Actions Levels should seriously consider taking remedial action. 10 homes recorded radon concentrations between the two levels and have been advised of the change in guidance and remedial measures that may help reduce their levels.
The vast majority (76%) of households had low levels of radon. No particular trends were discernable from the spatial distribution results.
We have no plans to undertake a further free testing survey. If you are concerned about the level of radon in your home, then testing kits are available for you to purchase from www.ukradon.org or other suppliers. If you are buying a property and wish to know what levels of radon are present you can purchase a radon risk report also available from UK Radon.
Further advice
Further information and advice on radon is available from the Health Protection Agency and The Radon Council. The Radon Council is the independent non-profit making regulatory body for the radon industry. The Council publishes a considerable amount of practical information as well as a free list of contractors, suppliers and consultants offering advice and services involving remedial work for radon gas.
Radon is also a concern in the workplace and an employer has a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to ensure you are not exposed to high levels of radon in the workplace. For further advice and information on radon in the workplace visit the Health and Safety Executive website which has publications for download and advice on how to comply with the law.
Useful links
