Radon Gas in Derbyshire

Here at PropertECO, we are the leading radon testing company for reducing radon gas in Derbyshire. The highest radon levels in the UK are found in the South West, but that doesn’t mean that property owners in Derbyshire (or the East Midlands in general) should be any more relaxed when it comes to radon awareness. Radon can not be seen, smelt or touched but is responsible for over 1,100 deaths from lung cancer, which is only behind smoking.

Radon Testing in Derbyshire

From the radon map, there are high concentration levels of radon in and around the Derbyshire area, however; the only true way to know if you have radon in the property is to purchase a radon test kit or special radon detectors online.

There are two types of detectors that can be purchased. There is the 10 day radon detector which is normally used by someone who is looking to sell or purchase a property and needs quick results. The 3 month radon test kit provides more accurate readings, which is what we would always recommend.

Placement Of the Radon Detectors

The detectors should be placed both in the living room or the bedroom of the property, which means one should be on the ground and one of the first floor.

The reason for doing this is that these are normally the areas where you spend the most time in. If it is a commercial building then the detectors should be placed in other areas of the property.

How To Know If My Property in Derbyshire Has High Radon Levels?

The units used for measuring radon is called Becquerels. Average for households in the UK is 20 Bq/m3 and the target level for there is a less for concern is the target level approved by the UK Health Security Agency (formerly Public Health England) of 100 Bq/m3.

If you have had radon testing carried out at the property and the readings show readings over the target then remediation works will need to be carried out to reduce this.

Radon Testing in the Workplace

It is important for radon testing to take place in the workplace as the health and safety legislation introduced in IRR17 (Ionising Radiation Regulations). Testing radon in the workplace needs to be carried out if the premises is located in an affected area like Derbyshire.

Radon gas testing will also be required by the property owner if the premises has, or is located within, a basement. If you would like further information about protecting your employees from radon gas then please get in touch with PropertECO by contacting us online.

Types of Radon Mitigation

Once the results from the testing has been received, then this is where PropertECO will ask the property owner that a radon specialist should carry out a survey at the property. The specialist will determine what type of radon mitigation needs to be used to reduce the concertation levels below the target level.

The two remediation systems used are radon sumps and positive pressure systems. A radon sump is installed on the outside of the property and the pipework is installed beneath the property as this is where the radon is most prominent. The radon is collected from the pipework and the fan will then ensure the gas is safely pumped away from the property.

A positive pressure system is a form of radon reduction that works with the installation of a fan system. The positive pressure system uses the cleaning air from outside of the property and then dispersing the air throughout the property.

Health Risks From Radon Gas

There are health risks that you may or may not be aware of associated with radon gas. Even if you can not smell, see or touch radon gas can have a major impact on your health.

Radon is the second leading cause of cancer and this is due to the direct impact of radon gas in their home or workplace. With Derbyshire being one of the areas where radon is more likely to be found then make sure you have radon gas test carried out.

Buying A Radon Test Kit

As we have already explained, the only true way to know if your property is in a radon affected area is to purchase a radon test kit online via our Radon Shop. If you are purchasing a property in the Derbyshire area then a 10 day radon detector or for more accurate results then order a 3 month detector.

If you would like more information from a radon expert then you can get in touch using the form down below or 0800 046 6193.