Industry News
Radon: What is it? What is my responsibility? How can PHE help?
scientific research. We advise about the risk of harm from radon. We advise you how to check your property portfolio and what to do when action needs to be taken.
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WHAT IS RADON? Radon is a radioactive gas. You can’t see, smell or taste it. It is formed by the radioactive decay of the small amounts of uranium that occur naturally in all rocks and soils. Radon accounts for half of the average UK radiation dose.
HE has decades of experience and expertise in delivering radon programmes. Our measurement service is underpinned by our
HOW CAN PHE HELP? We recommend a three-stage process:
1. CHECK: ARE ANY OF YOUR BUILDINGS IN A RADON AFFECTED AREA? Affected Areas are parts of the UK where the potential for high radon levels is greatest. The radon atlas gives the worst-case radon potential within a 1km grid square and can be viewed for free on our website
www.ukradon.org. We also offer a search service for large property
portfolios. A postcode list assessment is more specific, giving the radon potential for properties sharing a given postcode.
2. MEASURE: ALL OCCUPIED PROPERTIES IN AN AFFECTED AREA SHOULD BE TESTED PHE is a validated laboratory and can carry out your radon testing programme.
3. ACT: THE RADON LEVELS SHOULD BE REDUCED IF THE RESULT IS AT OR ABOVE 200 Bq m-3
300 Bq m-3
FOR HOMES (ACTION LEVEL) OR OVER FOR WORKPLACES (IONISING
RADIATIONS REGULATIONS 2017). Various options are available depending on the result and construction of the property.
PICTURED ABOVE Breakdown of the average UK radiation dose in 2010 by source of exposure
WHAT IS THE RISK TO HEALTH FROM RADON? Radon produces radioactive particles in the air we breathe. These particles become trapped in our airways and emit radiation that damages the inside of our lungs. This damage increases the risk of lung cancer. The risk from radon is increased if you are a current or ex-smoker.
WHAT IS THE LANDLORD’S RESPONSIBILITY? Under the 2004 Housing Act landlords have a duty of care to provide a safe home. Radon is identified as a potential hazard in dwellings.
WHAT IS THE EMPLOYER’S RESPONSIBILITY? Under the Health and Safety at Word Act 1974, employers have a responsibility to ensure the Health and Safety of employees and others who have access to the work environment. Radon should be included in the risk assessment
under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
PHE radon group will exhibit at:
• Safety & Health Expo, London 18-20 June. Stand SH3020
• Contamination Expo, Birmingham 11-12 September. Stand J18
• Health & Safety North, Manchester 8-9 October. Stand F20.
Please come and talk to us if you are attending these events. For general radon information visit our website or contact us by email for more information about our services.
radon@phe.gov.uk www.ukradon.org
PICTURED BELOW Percentage of homes at or above the Action Level
0-1 1-3 3-5 5-10 10-30 Greater than 30
www.housingmmonline.co.uk | HMM April/May 2019 | 23
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