Is Your Health At Risk From Radon?

By Wendy Thomas, Residential Product Manager, October 2016

“Each year in the UK over 2000 people die from lung cancer, developed as a direct result of exposure to Radon. The gas accounts for the second greatest number of lung cancer cases in the UK, second only to smoking.” UK Radon Association.

It is formed from the naturally-occurring uranium in all rocks and soils, which decays and rises up through the ground into the air. If your property is built on soil affected by Radon, the gas may rise into the building where it can become trapped and cause damage to your health.

Why is it harmful?

Prolonged exposure to high levels of Radon gas causes lung cancer. The radioactive elements formed by the decay of Radon can be inhaled and enter our lungs. Inside the lungs, they continue to omit radiation and cause local damage, which can lead to lung cancer. 2000 deaths per year are caused by exposure to Radon*.The Health Protection Agency estimates that an increase in Radon concentration of 100Bq/m3 in a property increases an occupant’s risk of lung cancer by up to 31%. There is a much higher incidence of cancer in smokers. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) recommends that householders with concentrations above the action level (200 Bq/m) should reduce their radon concentrations as far as they can and ideally to below the target level (100 Bq/m)

How does it enter the home?

Radon gas seeps up through the ground and enters properties through small cracks and gaps in floors and walls formed during and after construction.

Where can it be found?

Radon can affect all types and ages of property. Radon concentrations in a property are determined by various factors including the geology of the ground, how the property was constructed, whether it has a basement or cellar, and the methods of heating and ventilation. The current action level for radon is 200 Bq/m3. Radon maps show the areas in the UK that are at risk. These have been updated in recent years and are now far more accurate. Click here to see the latest Radon Maps. The Radon Association has produced a handy video that explains more.

Is my home at risk?

Radon maps are just a guide and testing your home is the only way to be certain of the Radon risks. Homes that have basements or cellars and those built into hillsides are at higher risk of Radon as they have more contact with the ground which allows Radon to enter the property. Even if your home is located in a low-risk area, if it falls into this category then it’s likely that it will be ‘high risk’. If you live in a new-build property, it’s very likely that Radon protection measures will have been built into the design, preventing the gas from entering your home. If you live in an existing home or have recently bought a new home, it’s important to find out if any Radon testing has been carried out by the previous owner and, if possible, request a copy of the results report. If not, arrange for your home to be tested, especially if your home has a basement or cellar or is built into a hillside. Radon tests are available from many online resellers, such as Amazon or through Radon remediation companies. A ten-day test will give an indication of Radon levels, but for a more thorough detection, the three-month tests are much more reliable. They involve putting a detector in your living area and a bedroom. After three months, you return the detectors which are analysed and the results posted back to you along with any advice. http://www.ukradon.org/services/orderdomestic

My Radon levels are high. What now?

There are three standard methods for reducing and controlling Radon levels in the home. One of the recognised methods is the installation of a Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) system inside your home. PIV is an unobtrusive and cost-effective ventilation system that reduces and maintains low Radon levels. It’s suitable for Radon levels up to 500 Bq/m3. The good news is that a PIV system can be installed in a new-build property or an existing home. Nuaire’s Drimaster-Eco range is designed for homes with lofts, while the Flatmaster range is for homes without lofts, including basements and cellars.

Nuaire invented the PIV process over 40 years ago and today it’s not only a proven method of curing condensation and mould problems, but a trusted means of reducing Radon levels with minimal building work. How does PIV reduce Radon levels? Positive Input Ventilation works by combining two effects: pressurisation and dilution.

Pressurisation

PIV increases the air pressure within the property so less Radon is able to enter. If you property is totally airtight then this pressure alone would be enough to exclude any Radon. Making your home completely air-tight is very disruptive and impractical, and fortunately it is not necessary for PIV to reduce Radon levels. Even limited pressurisation can significantly slow the rate at which Radon enters the home.

Dilution

PIV increases the ventilation in your home which dilutes any Radon that still enters the building despite the positive pressurisation effect. If the ventilation is doubled then the average indoor Radon rate will be halved.