A quick search for radon gas online will bring up an avalanche of alarming headlines:
Radon exposure causes asthma in children
Radon gas could be excessively high in thousands of social homes, expert warns
£24 million Inverness Justice Centre hit by major health scare over cancer-causing gas
Kids flee nuke gas in classes
These headlines paint radon as terrifying. While radon is indeed a health risk and a public concern, the conversation around it is often clouded by fear rather than facts.
Radon exposure is real, and it is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. However, it’s important to remember that it is entirely preventable and manageable. Understanding the facts can help homeowners, landlords and businesses take appropriate and careful action, without unnecessary alarm.
In today’s blog, we’re going to debunk some of the most common myths about radon.
Myth 1: only older homes have a high risk for radon exposure
Many believe radon is only a problem in older buildings, assuming that modern buildings are ‘radon-proof’. In fact, radon levels have nothing to do with a building’s age.
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in the soil below us. If a property, new or old, is built on radon-emitting ground then radon can seep in through the cracks in your building’s foundations, walls or even gaps around pipes. Whilst radon protection for new buildings has been required in some form, in some areas since 1991, the requirement is only for a minority of buildings and until recently, there’s been no requirement to verify whether the protection was installed effectively or not.
The only way to know if any building has high radon levels is to test for it, ideally when occupied.
Myth 2: testing for radon is costly and time-consuming
Many people assume that radon testing requires expensive equipment or professional surveys. In reality, testing is affordable, simple, and quick.
- Affordable: home radon test kits cost as little as £40.
- Simple: they are about the size of a hockey puck and do not require any attention during the test period .
- Quick: you place the detectors in occupied rooms for about three months, then send it to a lab for analysis.
For businesses, landlords, and those wanting more detailed analysis, professional testing completed by propertECO surveyors using more advanced equipment is also available. But in most cases, the process is straightforward and inexpensive.
Myth 3: radon is only a problem in certain parts of the country
While some regions have higher radon levels than others, radon can be found anywhere.
In the UK, the Radon Affected Area Map highlights regions where properties are more likely to exceed the UK Government’s Action Level of 300 Bq/m³. However, radon levels can vary significantly from one street to another or even between two neighbouring houses.
Click here to find out whether you live in a radon affected area.
Myth 4: if my neighbour’s house is safe, mine must be too
It’s a common mistake, if your neighbour’s radon test comes back low, you might assume your home is fine too. But radon levels can vary significantly even within a small area.
Factors like soil composition, building materials, ventilation, and construction style all influence how radon enters a building. Just because your neighbour’s home has low radon levels doesn’t mean yours does too. The only way to be sure is to test your own property.
Myth 5: selling a home with a history of radon is difficult
Some homeowners worry that discovering radon will make their property unsellable. However, this isn’t the case. Radon issues are common and they are fixable.
If a radon test reveals high levels, simple mitigation systems can reduce concentrations by over 90%. Many buyers appreciate homes with existing mitigation systems because it shows the issue has been addressed.
In fact, in countries like the US and Canada, radon testing is often a standard part of home sales, and mitigation systems are seen as a responsible upgrade rather than a red flag.
We often help landlords with a large portfolio of houses fix their radon concerns. You can view our case studies here.
Myth 6: if radon is such a big deal, why don’t we hear more about it?
Unlike carbon monoxide, radon has no immediate symptoms to alert you that you are inhaling dangerous concentrations. You won’t, feel dizzy, nauseous or see any visible effects. But the danger is real and long-term exposure to radon increases your risk of illness, including diseases such as lung cancer.
Because radon’s effects take years to develop, radon rarely makes daily headlines. But that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Awareness is growing, and more homeowners, landlords, and businesses are taking action to test and mitigate.
Radon is real and so are the solutions
Radon exposure is a genuine health risk but it’s not a reason for panic. Testing is simple, and mitigation is highly effective.
At PropertECO, we help homeowners, businesses, and landlords navigate radon risks without the fear factor. If you want to check your property’s radon levels, get in touch today for expert advice and testing solutions.
