Our Responsibility to You: Reducing Radon Levels in Homes

South Lakes Housing is working with Public Health England (PHE) to identify and reduce potentially high levels of radon in our properties. We have a responsibility to our tenants under Duty of Care and the Housing Act to provide a safe home.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas which if present in high concentrations in the home may affect the health of occupants, some areas are more at risk than others. It originates from the decay of uranium which is present in all rocks and soils. It has no colour, taste or smell and can only be measured using special equipment. Outdoors, radon is quickly diluted to harmless concentrations, but when it enters an enclosed space, such as a house or other building, it can sometimes accumulate to unacceptably high concentrations.

As part of this work, South Lakes Housing has arranged for PHE to carry out a radon test in 827 properties in our highest risk areas during the week commencing Monday 23/9/19. SLH wants its tenants to feel safer and carrying out these tests will help them do just that.

Public Health England will post out test kits, the test is very simple to do and full instructions are included with the testing kit.

The Detectors

Radon detectors are safe and simple to use: e.g., they can sit on a shelf. The hollow plastic shell contains a piece of clear plastic that records the damage caused by radon. The detectors do not emit anything and do not collect anything dangerous. However, they can be damaged by heat or submersion in water and should not be opened.

The Test

Testing is easy and everything is sent by free post

  • Two small radon monitors are sent; one for your main living room and another for your main bedroom.
  • The test kit includes simple instructions explaining where to place the monitors.
  • They stay in place for three months and are then returned for analysis.
  • The result is sent to your landlord, who will contact you if action is needed.

It is important that you place the monitors as soon as you receive the kit.

Once the test is complete, simply return the two monitors in the freepost envelope provided by PHE. South Lakes Housing will contact you if action is needed to reduce the risk to your health.

If you have any queries about radon, visit the PHE website, www.UKradon.org or you can phone them on 01235-822622.

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