Radon

What is Radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas, we can't see, smell or taste it: you need special equipment to detect it. It comes from the rocks and soil found everywhere in the UK. The radon level in the air we breathe outside is very low but can be higher inside buildings as the gas can’t readily dissipate as well. Radon gas has the potential to cause damage to our lungs.

Radon, our Borough and the Council

Typically radon levels within our Borough are relatively low whereby typically less than 1% of homes may be above the action level. There are however a few sporadic pockets whereby either 1-3 % or 3-5% of homes may be above the action level. The action level refers to the annual average concentration in a home above a radon measurement 200 Bq/m3. Above 1% new builds usually require a degree of radon protection measures.

As radon is a naturally occurring gas, Environmental Health is unable to investigate and mitigate radon risk throughout the Borough. However, if planning permission for new homes or businesses are made in a potential radon risk area, our planning department can ensure that suitable radon mitigation measures can be incorporated into the build to mitigate against any potential risk.

The Council doesn't hold specific records on radon data. Please note it is not a requirement to provide any radon information to the Council if someone has a survey for instance on their property.

Radon concerns

If you have concerns about radon levels in your home or radon has been flagged as an issue in your home buyers pack in relation to a property transaction for example you may wish to consider following this up further by visiting UK Health Security Agency radon webpage. This is a government website provided by UK Health Security Agency. On this website you can find a wealth of information on radon. A PDF guide for householders has been produced by DEFRA and can be located here.

If you so wish, you can consider ordering a radon report for your property from the website or enquiry about ordering a home testing radon kit too. Testing is the only way to know your level of exposure.

If radon is or has been identified as an issue there are various remedial measures that can aim to mitigate any potential risks that may arise from radon, these are detailed on the website as well.

If you still have any specific questions regarding radon you can see different ways to contact the UK Health Security Agency.