What is Radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas that is produced by naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) in the ground. Once breathed in, radon and its decay products can irradiate our respiratory tract with harmful alpha, beta and gamma radiation. As radon is an odourless, colourless gas it can only be detected using specialist radon monitors.

 

Radon in the workplace

The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 apply if the annual average radon concentration exceeds 300 Bq/m3 in the workplace. When radon concentrations exceed this threshold, employers are legally required to consult with a Radiation Protection Advisor and take certain actions.

Radon is the single biggest source of ionising radiation exposure in the UK and is the second largest cause of lung cancer after smoking. Despite this, many employers and employees will be completely unaware that they are working in a radon affected environment.

Do you need a radon survey?

Employers should conduct a radon survey if:

  • They are in a known radon affected area (check the radon map)

  • Employees work in a below ground area e.g. a basement

  • There is a natural water source in the workplace

people working from home

If employees are working from home then the same provisions of the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 apply.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

The risk to a foetus or breastfeeding child from a woman working in a radon affected area is typically negligible.

Consulting an RPA

If radon levels exceed 300 Bq/m3 in your workplace, or if you have any questions, please telephone us on 0161 456 9662 or complete our email form for advice.

 

Radon in the home

The Health Protection Agency (now the UK Health Security Agency) advises an annual average action level of 200 Bq/m3. If radon concentrations exceed this action level, the HPA recommend that measures are taken to reduce radon concentrations, especially if the householders smoke. For homeowners this action level remains a recommendation and is not legally enforced - although extra conditions apply to landlords.

Landlords

Radon is covered by the Housing Heath and Safety Rating System and, depending upon the calculated risk, enforcement action may be taken by the Local Authority to reduce radon levels.