As we move into 2026, many of us are re-evaluating, reprioritising and reviewing risks, thinking about how to make our homes and workplaces healthier and safer.
Radon is rarely featured on that list. But it should be.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers in the UK and is responsible foraround 1,100 deaths each year. Despite this, awareness remains low, and many buildings across the country have never even been tested.
The start of a new year is an ideal time to change that.
Why January Is the Right Time to Think About Radon
January is often when employers review health and safety risk assessments, schools and public buildings plan compliance activity and homeowners reflect on indoor air quality after months of being indoors
Radon has no smell and no colour – the only way to know if it’s present at elevated levels is to test with a passive radon detector. Where possible testing should be carried out over a 3-month period for the most accurate results.
Radon in Homes: A Risk That’s Easy to Overlook
Radon can affect any home, regardless of:
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas caused by the natural decay of minute amounts of uranium that are present in rocks and soils beneath a property. Because of this even homes on the same street can have dramatically different radon concentrations.
For homeowners, January is a good time to:
Testing is simple, affordable, and provides peace of mind.
Radon in Workplaces: A Legal Responsibility
Radon is not just a potential issue at home , it could also be a workplace health risk.
Under UK health and safety legislation, employers must assess all hazards, including radon. If radon levels exceed 300 Bq/m³, the Ionising Radiations Regulations apply, and action must be taken to reduce exposure.
This applies to:
January is often when employers update risk assessments, making it an ideal time to make sure radon has been properly considered.
Testing First, Monitoring Second
At PropertECO, we always recommend an evidence-led approach to radon.
Both play an important role, but testing is always the starting point.
If Levels Are High, Radon Can Be Reduced
One of the most important things to understand about radon is this:
high radon levels can almost always be reduced.
Mitigation solutions like a radon sump system or positive input ventilation are proven, effective and often straightforward to install.
After installation a follow-up retest will need to be completed to confirm that radon levels have successfully been lowered.
Making Radon Part of a Healthier 2026
Radon may be invisible, but the risk is real.
As we start a new year, taking steps to understand radon levels in our homes and workplaces is one of the simplest ways to protect long-term health.
Whether you’re a homeowner, employer or landlord, 2026 is a good year to make radon part of your safety planning.
How PropertECO Can Help
PropertECO specialises in radon from testing and monitoring through to mitigation and compliance support.
Contact us today if you’re unsure where to start, or want advice tailored to your building, our team is always happy to help.
