Health Protection Agency issues new advice on radon Free

Article Type: Newsbriefs From: Structural Survey, Volume 28, Issue 5

Keywords: Homes, Health, Radon

A new initiative to reduce concentrations of radon in UK homes has been launched by the Health Protection Agency (HPA). Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is the biggest source of human exposure to ionising radiation in the UK and is responsible for an estimated 1,100 lung cancer deaths a year. After reviewing the latest scientific evidence, as well as the costs and benefits of radon reduction measures, the HPA is retaining its Action Level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq m⁻³) – but introducing a new Target Level of 100 Bq m⁻³. The Target Level has been introduced because research published since 1990 has given scientists a greater understanding of the risks to health of exposure to radon below 200 Bq m⁻³and because HPA now has considerably more experience of the effectiveness of remediation measures. Although low-level exposures can still lead to lung cancer, the risks at these levels are low and can be reduced further by simple mitigation measures designed to increase underfloor ventilation. Householders can find out the likelihood that their home is above the Action Level at www.ukradon.org. The HPA Report, HPA Advice on the Limitation of Human Exposure to Radon,can be viewed at: www.hpa.org.uk/Publications/Radiation/DocumentsOfTheHPA/