On your survey or searches you may have been informed that your new property is in an area that is deemed to be at risk from Radon gas. But what is Radon gas?
Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive gas. It’s formed by the radioactive decay of small amounts of uranium that occur naturally in all rocks and soils. Public Health England (PHE) is the UK’s primary expert on radon and you should refer to their website at www.ukradon.org for more information on the gas.
While radioactive material doesn’t sound good, Radon isn’t something to panic about as there are many things that you can do to lower the levels within your home. This is where the lifestyle of the occupant can assist with the build-up of Radon. If a person keeps their windows closed then there would be limited ventilation that will allow the gas to escape the confines of the house therefore causing the levels to increase.
Obtaining a Measurement
As the levels are associated with the way you live, every person would have different levels in their home due to their habits. You can measure the levels of the gas within your home by ordering a test from various sources including Public Health England which you will have to leave for up to 3 months. To get accurate results from the test you should live in your home the way you normally would so that the results are specific to you. Once you have the results you will then be able to explore different options that may be available to you to help lower the levels of gas.
This could be as simple as you opening the windows to allow the gas to escape or, for the more extreme levels, having a mechanical ventilation system installed to help remove the gas but these are options that you should explore when you have the results of your test.
As more information on Radon gas is obtained, the regulations for newly built properties has adapted which means that if the development is in an area deemed to be high with the gas, the builders will have to incorporate extra ventilation or Radon barriers into the build so that the property has a natural defence against the gas.
So, while Radon gas can be harmful if the level is allowed to increase, there are things that you can do that will lower the levels within your home to a safe level. Firstly, you should order yourself a test and see what the results are and then move forward from there with the options available to you.
