Radon in your home

What is radon?

Radon is a natural gas found in soil and rocks. It has no colour, taste or smell.

Levels vary from region to region, house to house, season to season, day to day and even hour by hour.

When air containing radon rises from soil and rocks beneath your home, it may find its way in; mainly through cracks in floors, walls and gaps around service pipes etc.

What are the risks?

Health studies from around the world have linked radon with lung cancer. People who are exposed to high levels of radon are more likely to get lung cancer and the risk to smokers will be much higher than the risk to non-smokers.

However, there are simple and effective ways to make your home safer.

How do I know if I have radon in my home?

Homes with basements or cellars, or those built into a hillsides are at a higher risk of radon as there are extra surfaces in contact with the ground which could allow the radon gas to get into the building.

If your home is considered to be at a higher risk from radon then we’ll arrange for a simple test to measure the radon levels.

You’ll be sent a testing kit which includes two small monitors which will need to be placed in different rooms in your home. Full instructions will be included with the testing kit when it arrives.

When the test is complete we’ll ask you to send the detectors back for analysis in the Freepost  envelope provided.

What can I do if my home is affected?

When we receive the test results we’ll share them with you. If the result is above the level recommended by government, we’ll get back in touch to arrange an appointment to survey your home to fit a ventilation system.

We may either install a passive or mechanical fan. Our preferred option is to install a passive fan because they reduce the radon gas levels in your home without the use of a powered fan. However, these are not suitable for all properties, and therefore in some instances we will need to install a mechanical fan.

Running costs

Running a mechanical fan is likely to increase your electricity bill by around £2.50 per week. The actual amount you pay will depend on current energy prices, your tariff and what kind of meter you have.

If you have any questions or concerns about radon please visit www.UKradon.org or contact us on 01225 366000.