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Radon in Cornwall
Around 1% of household properties in Cornwall have radon levels at or above the government’s action level of 200 Becquerels per cubic metre (Bq m3). This means large swathes of Cornwall are designated as ‘radon affected areas’.
Most homes in the UK have radon of around 20 Bq m3.
The Health Protection Agency recommends people living in areas where 1% or more of homes are above the current action level should measure the radon concentration in their dwelling. If the concentration is found to be above the action level householders are advised to undertake remedial measures and this means installing a mitigation system.
At present government policy in England consists of targeting areas of the country where 5% or more of homes are above the action level, offering free radon measurements and then encouraging householders to remediate at their own expense if the measurement is above the current action level of 200 Bq m3.
A map showing the percentage of homes at or above the action level of 200 Bq m3 can be viewed here.
In the summer of 2010 the HPA introduced a new initiative to reduce concentrations of radon in UK homes. This followed a review of the latest scientific evidence, as well as the costs and benefits of radon reduction measures. The HPA announced that while it will retain its Action Level of 200 Bq m3, it was introducing a new ‘Target Level’ of 100 Bq m3. According to the official statement this was ‘introduced because research published since 1990 has given scientists a greater understanding of the risks to health of exposure to radon below 200 Bq m3 and because HPA now has considerably more experience of the effectiveness of remediation measures. Although low level exposures can still lead to lung cancer, the risks at these levels are low and can be reduced further by simple mitigation measures.’
Where radon comes from
Radon gas is produced during the radioactive decay of radium which comes from uranium. It is also referred to as Radon-222 and is often described as the daughter of the radioactive decay of radium. It occurs naturally through the presence of uranium in most rocks, soils, bricks and concrete.
Radon gas itself does not present too serious a radiological hazard when breathed in and immediately exhaled. The problem lies with the decay products – the radon daughters – which behave like solids and can attach themselves to dust and moisture in the atmosphere. These solids can take up residence in lungs and airways and emit alpha particles which are known to cause cell damage.
We all breathe in radon to some extent and it accounts for half of the radiation dosage each of us receives. It is not possible to see, hear, smell or taste radon gas.
Outdoors, radon disperses harmlessly into the air, but once it finds its way indoors, through gaps and cracks in floors and walls, it may build up to potentially harmful levels.
The amount of gas released varies greatly depending on where you live and is more likely to be found in areas where the geology features concentrations of granite and limestone – such as in Cornwall.
How radon gets into buildings
Generally radon rises up through cracks in the earth and simply disperses into the atmosphere. Warm air inside a house draws the gas in through flooring and any gaps or cracks in the building structure. Underground, radon can collect in caves and mines. High concentrations of radon can also accumulate in confined spaces such as basements.
Health risks
Health data from nine European countries confirms that domestic exposure to radon increases the risk of lung cancer. In the UK between 1000 and 2000 deaths each year are estimated to be caused by exposure to radon. Results based on a European wide epidemiological study showed that the risk from radon is approximately 25 times higher for cigarette smokers than for non-smokers.
Measurement begins with the installation of small passive radon test units in the most widely used rooms of a dwelling – usually the lounge and bedrooms. The presence of radon causes invisible damage to the plastic inside the detectors and these changes can be measured and used to calculate the radon level. Analysis and the reporting of individual results are entirely confidential.
As radon levels in a home can vary significantly over time due to weather conditions and seasonal changes, tests should run over several months. A standard test should cover at least a three month period. Fast track services are offered if assessments are urgently required; for example for a surveyor’s report as part of a house purchase process.
We offer a 10 day rapid review service or a 90 day comprehensive test.
Airtech radon gas detection kits contain two pods which are small and unobtrusive. They are easy to use and come with full instructions on placement. Usually one is placed in the lounge and the other in a bedroom. After 10 days or three months simply remove the detection pods, complete the form included with the kit and return along with the detectors directly to the independent laboratory for analysis using the pre-addressed and postage paid envelope provided.
You should receive your test results within a couple of weeks.
Guidance for home buyers in Cornwall
If you are planning to purchase a property in Cornwall first check if the property you are interested in is in a radon action level area by looking at our radon maps and if necessary searching on www.ukradon.org.
Depending on what you find you may wish to ask the owners if they have completed a three month radon test. If they have, ask to see the report. If they have not undertaken a recent test then talk to your solicitor about ‘retention’ to allow time for testing once you move in.
It’s also a good idea to check with the environment health department of the local authority to see what their advice is on radon in the area. Some local authorities may be working in partnership with the Health Protection Agency to offer radon tests in parts of Cornwall.
What to do if your test reveals radon levels above the action level
There are several ways to reduce radon levels ranging from simply increasing ventilation to installing under-floor extract systems.
We are a local specialist company with hundreds of successful radon mitigation installations, many in the South West of England and especially in Cornwall.
Radon sump fan
We carry out, free of charge, a site visit, a survey and send a written report with a recommendation for the best solution along with a no obligation quotation for remedial work. All the design and installation work is undertaken by qualified engineers and installers who use Airtech products that have been proven over the past decade.
Radon in schools and places of work
Every place of work can be affected by radon – schools, universities, retail outlets, offices, factories, hospitals, health centres, hotels and care homes.
How much radon you are exposed to at work will of course depend on where your place of work is located, the type of building and which part of it you work in. Radon is more likely to be found in basements, cellars and any other poorly ventilated rooms at or below ground level.
It is a legal requirement for an employer to assess any risks to staff while at work, including radon and especially if your place of work is in a radon affected area.
Schools are essentially workplaces and so action is required if radon levels above 400 Bq m3 are recorded.
Radon and Building Regulations
If your home is in a radon affected area any extensions to existing buildings or new build properties will be subject to Building Regulations that require protective measures to be taken against radon entering the building.
Local building control will offer information regarding radon in existing and new build properties.
Other websites with useful information:
Building Research Establishment
Radon Council Website
Alternatively call
Airtech Environmental Systems Limited
Unit 2, Halwin Industrial Estate, Porkellis, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 0LA
RADON HOTLINE –
FREEPHONE 0800 378017
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