Radon gas isn’t often front of mind for homeowners, landlords and businesses – but it should be.
Invisible, odourless and tasteless, radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into buildings from the ground. While this might make it seem inconsequential, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers in the UK, and second overall after smoking. Understanding the risks, and how to manage them, is crucial for anyone responsible for a property.
What is Radon and Why is it a Health Concern?
Radon is formed by the decay of uranium in rocks and soil. When outdoors, it is quickly diluted and dispersed to a level that won’t be a risk. Indoors, however, radon can accumulate to levels that pose a significant health risk.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), radon is responsible for over 1,100 deaths from lung cancer in the UK every year. Long-term exposure, especially at higher concentrations, increases this risk substantially. This is only magnified for smokers and ex-smokers.
To put it into perspective:
- A non-smoker living in a home with radon levels of 200 Bq/m³ has a 1 in 190 lifetime risk of developing lung cancer.
- For a current smoker at the same radon level, the risk increases dramatically to 1 in 5.
Where in the UK is Radon a Problem?
Many assume radon is only a problem in specific areas, but that’s a dangerous misconception.
While higher concentrations are more common in areas with granite bedrock and other uranium-rich geologies, such as Devon, Cornwall, and parts of Wales, elevated levels have been found in properties across the country. In fact, the updated UKHSA and British Geological Survey radon map demonstrates just how much of the UK is affected by radon.
Though your property may not be within the darkest areas of the map, radon doesn’t discriminate by postcode. Radon levels depend on the geology beneath your building and how your property is constructed and ventilated. Radon can affect all kinds of buildings, from new builds and city centre apartments to farmhouses and Listed buildings. The only real way to know if your property is affected by radon is to conduct testing.
How Does Radon Enter a Building?
As a gas, radon can move through any flooring that doesn’t include a specific gasproof layer. This means the majority of UK buildings are susceptible to radon ingress. In addition, radon can see into buildings from the ground through:
- Cracks in solid floors and walls
- Construction joints
- Gaps around pipes and cables
- Sub-floor cavities
It’s often more concentrated in lower levels of a building, such as basements or ground floors. The more airtight the building, the greater the risk of radon build-up and this makes energy-efficient modern homes just as susceptible as older properties.
How Do I Know If My Property Has a Radon Problem?
Testing is the only reliable way to determine if radon levels in your property are acceptably low.. It’s simple, inexpensive, and highly recommended, particularly if your property lies in or near a designated radon-affected area.
At PropertECO, we provide UKHSA-validated radon testing kits suitable for homes, schools, offices, and other buildings. The test typically runs for three months, after which the detectors are analysed by a certified laboratory.
If results indicate elevated levels, we’ll guide you through the next steps with professionalism and care.
What Happens If My Property Has High Radon Levels?
If your home radon test shows levels above the UK Action Level of 200 Bq/m³, mitigation should be considered. Fortunately, effective and discreet solutions exist:
- Radon sumps, which extract radon gas from beneath the building to disperse it into the air outside.
- Positive input ventilation systems, to improve air circulation within your building and inhibit ground gases being drawn inside.
Each property requires a tailored approach. As leading UK radon specialists, PropertECO offers full diagnostic surveys and bespoke mitigation systems, ensuring compliance with health guidance and minimising disruption.
Why Choose PropertECO?
With over a decade of experience in radon risk management, PropertECO has worked with homeowners, schools, employers and estate managers across the UK. Our expertise, backed by industry certifications and a scientific approach, makes us one of the UK’s most trusted names in radon testing and remediation.
Take Preventative Action for Peace of Mind
Radon isn’t something to panic over, but it is something to take seriously.
Whether you’re a homeowner, property manager or employer, testing for radon is a responsible and proactive step. The health risks are real, but they are also preventable with the right guidance.
Have you ever tested your building? Talk to us today.
