Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. Radon is everywhere; it is colourless and odourless. It is formed by the radioactive decay of small amounts of uranium that occur naturally in all rocks and soils.
Pictured left: Map from UKradon
Radon is found across the UK, but levels vary depending on the local geology and the type of building.
Public Health England has published a UK map showing areas affected by radon, to see the map click here. The darker the colour on the radon maps, the greater the chance of a high level in a building. However, not all buildings, even in the darkest areas, have high levels.
We are all exposed to radiation from natural and man-made sources. Just 20 Bq m-3 (the average radon level in UK homes) gives us half our exposure to radiation from all sources. Every building contains radon, but the levels are usually low. The chances of higher levels depend on the type of ground. Radon levels vary between neighbouring homes and with different living styles.
If you live in a radon affected area, the only way to know if a building has a high radon level is to have it tested.
The testing is done by placing small sensors in the lounge and bedroom. These sensors are safe, non-intrusive, and will stay in place for at least three months to measure radon levels. After three months has passed, we will contact you and arrange for our contractors to collect the sensors from your home and send them to a laboratory for analysis.
If the radon levels in your home are normal, no further action will be required, and we will test again in another five years to check that the levels have not changed.
If the levels are higher than recommended, we’ll contact you to discuss the next steps and the radon solutions we can fit to your home to reduce radon concentration.
