Radon

Naturally occurring radioactive gas

What is it?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas, which can enter your home from the ground, exposing you to doses of radiation. According to the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB), health studies from around the world have linked exposure to Radon to the increased risk of lung cancer.

Could your area be more at risk?

Radon penetration occurs in many thousands of British homes, particularly in the East Midlands and the South West but there are pockets of it just about everywhere in the UK. It is common in and around granite and other igneous rocks where the gas is transferred through the pores in the rock. The NRPB has advised the Government that the action level for Radon in homes should be 200 bq/m³ (becquerels per cubic metre) and that Radon levels at or above the action level should be reduced to as low as reasonably practical. However, according to Brian Ahern, Chairman of the Radon Council, even an exposure to 200 bq/m³ over an 8 hour period per day will be equivalent to 90 chest x-rays per year*.

The EnviroVent Positive Input Ventilation Systems have proved to be effective in significantly reducing Radon levels where Radon readings are below two hundred becquarels creating a healthy atmosphere in which to live, free from the harmful effects of Radon gas. They are continuous running ventilation units, which imperceptibly supply filtered air throughout your home. This process changes the airflow direction within the property to gently force the contaminated air out of the home.

*Chest x-ray extrapolation provided by The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, based on an average of 8 hours exposure per day.

How does it affect you?

Radon is produced by the natural breakdown of uranium found in rocks, sediments and water. It then permeates up through the ground and in open air dilutes to harmless levels in the atmosphere. However, when it enters our homes and work places it decays into minute solid particles known as Radon's Daughters. These particles then become trapped and can accumulate to dangerously high levels. When they are breathed in they can be deposited on the surface of the lungs, where they decay further, emitting harmful radiation directly into the lungs.