Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed as a result of the radioactive decay of uranium, which is present to some extent in all rocks and soils, but amounts vary from place to place. Radon rises from the soil into the air, outdoors, radon is diluted into the air and the risk it poses is negligible. Where it enters buildings the levels can vary from property to property and even between neighboring dwellings. Radon can build up in homes and, at high concentrations, leads to an increased risk of lung cancer. Smokers who are in a radon affected house are at an increased risk. Radon dominates the radioactive dose to the population contributing about 50% of dose at the average level in houses.
Radioactivity is measured in Becquerels. The Government has established an Action Level for radon in homes of 200 Becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3), based on advice from the Health Protection Agency (HPA).
The Radon in Dwellings Report produced in 1999 by the Environment and Heritage Service includes a radon map of Northern Ireland
and the risk and information on radon tests carried out in the Province. To date there have been 15700 houses tested in Northern Ireland. The average level is low at 19 Bq/m3, similar to the rest of the United Kingdom. The radon map shows that there are areas in the West of the Province and the Southeast where radon risk is elevated and it is estimated that 4000 homes in Northern Ireland are likely to exceed the action level. Free booklets can be obtained from the Industrial Pollution and Radiochemical Inspectorate (IPRI) in the Klondyke Building, Cromac Avenue, Gasworks Business Park, Lower Ormeau Road Belfast. Telephone: (028) 9056 9299. The booklets are
- Radon - A Householder's Guide ( pdf - 313 KB )
- Radon - A guide to reducing levels in your home ( pdf - 603 KB )
- Radon - A guide to homebuyers and sellers ( pdf - 243 KB )
- Radon Factsheet ( pdf - 195 KB )
If you wish to discuss any technical matters about radon please contact (028) 9056 9305. If anyone feels that they would like a test done on their house they could contact HPA (Health Protection Agency), Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire, Telephone freephone 0800 614529 and they will issue the test kits which cost in the region of £38.00, HPA will also confirm the cost.
The control of exposure to radon in commercial and public buildings, including schools, is the responsibility of the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (Ladas Drive, Belfast) of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment or the appropriate District Council.
Anyone wishing to view maps showing levels of Radon in dwellings in the Republic of Ireland should visit the website of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland.
Further information can be found at www.bre.co.uk/radon