Radon
What is radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas, which has no taste, colour or odour. It occurs naturally in all soils, although the amount found varies widely from place to place. Most of the radon from the ground rises to the surface and is quickly diluted into the atmosphere. Concentrations in the open air are very low. However, radon that enters enclosed spaces such as buildings is not so readily diluted and can reach high concentrations. Radon can enter a building through cracks and gaps in the floor and walls.
Why worry about radon?
When radon decays, it forms minute particles of other radioactive substances. These are called radon daughter products. If formed in the air these particles may be inhaled and some will be deposited in the lungs. The radiation emitted by them as they decay can give rise to a high radiation dose to lung tissues and damage them. Exposure to high radon levels increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
Where is radon a problem?
Radon is present in all parts of the UK but in the most populous areas the levels are quite low. Some of the highest levels have been found in Cornwall, Devon, parts of Derbyshire, Northamptonshire, Somerset and parts of Scotland. High levels have also been found in parts of North West Lancashire and South Lakeland.
Radon Action Level
In 1990 the Government accepted the then National Radiological Protection Board’s (NRPB) advice for an Action Level for radon in homes of 200 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3) above which remedial measures should be taken to reduce the concentration. At the same time, Radon Affected Areas were defined as areas of the country where 1% or more of properties have the potential to be at or above the Radon Action Level.
The latest Indicative Radon Map of England and Wales was published in November 2007.
Radon in the Lancaster District
Radon prevalence
Previous Radon mapping, published in 1999, indicated that Radon affected areas were primarily located in the north of the Lancaster district. More recent (2007) mapping shows that elevated levels of Radon gas may affect more of the district, including parts of urban Lancaster and Morecambe.
Radon Monitoring
In 2000-2001 Lancaster City Council along with other councils participated in a government funded 'pilot' programme to help householders in Radon affected areas to take action to cut levels of radon in their homes. Locally, the council monitored Radon levels in approximately 300 private homes, mostly in the north of the district. Most of the resulting measurements showed negligible or acceptable levels of Radon gas in people's homes. However in a few cases there were elevated levels giving cause for concern about possible health effects, and householders were advised on appropriate remedial actions they could take.
In early 2012 there was some further monitoring in around 100 homes across the district. The monitoring is ongoing and the results are awaited. This survey is intended to provide measurements of actual Radon gas levels for comparison with the predictions in the Indicative Radon Atlas, which has implications for areas outside the previous pilot programme. The results, and any advice, will be provided in the summer of 2012.
Further information on Radon:
Health Protection Agency
Radon Studies Group
Radiation Protection Division
Chilton Didcot
Oxfordshire
OX11 0RQ
Email: radon@hpa-rp.org.uk
Web: www.hpa.org.uk
British Research Establishment - the UK’s leading authority for independent impartial advice on how to reduce radon levels in buildings