Radon Gas : The Facts - From the Radon Gas Experts Envirowise
Meet “The Expert” This man of mystery is an experienced consultant with a wealth of knowledge
to share. In this article we look at Radon Gas and look in detail at this one of the least well
known causes of cancer in the UK.
Radon Gas - The Facts
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released through the decay of uranium
which is present to some degree in all soils and rock. The amount of gas released varies
greatly depending on where you live in the UK and is more likely to be found in areas
where the geology features concentrations of granite and limestone. 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. Generally radon
rises up through cracks in the earth and simply disperses into the
atmosphere. Warm air inside houses draws the gas in through
flooring and any gaps or cracks in a building’s structure.
Underground, radon can collect in caves and mines. High
concentrations of radon can also accumulate in confined spaces
such as basements. RADON GAS

Radon can find its way into a property through a variety of routes. Routes include cracks in walls and solid floors, cavities in
walls, gaps around service pipes, gaps in suspended floors as well as cracks in walls below ground level.

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. Smoking is said to
increase the risk by a factor of 10.

Radon is measured in becquerels per cubic metre of air (Bq m3). The Health Protection Agency (HPA), a government
department that protects UK public health, has set the UK Action Level for radon at 200 Bq m3. Most homes in the UK have
radon of around 20 Bq m3. However, in certain locations in the UK the probability rises dramatically. A map showing the
areas where homes are likely to be at or above the Action Level of 200 Bq m3 can be viewed at www.hpa.org.uk/radiation.
© Timberwise (UK) Ltd 2009
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