Radon health risk worse than it seems?

Structures should always incorporate measures to protect the inhabitants from the effects of radon gas

Measures must be taken to protect structures (and thus their inhabitants) from the effect of radon gas.

The extent of radon emission from the ground is measured in becquerels and the current action level is 200 becquerels.

This means if the level exceeds 200 becquerels there are in place construction procedures that should be taken to remove or minimise the risk.

This is all fairly straightforward and the Radon Council based in the UK and the Building Regulations provide guidance.

But, all is not as it seems.

A situation exists where persons can be exposed to twice the actionable level.

In the workplace the action level is not 200 but 400 becquerels.

Possibly because it is considered any individual will normally occupy any commercial property for only part of any 24-hour day? Based on an average working day of 8 hours, one is thus exposed to the double figure of 400 becquerels for a third of every day.

But, is this the case in other commercial properties such as residential homes etc? Occupants of such buildings can live in the building for 24 hours every day rather than 8.

In so doing they are exposed to twice the domestic action level over the entire 24 hour day.

A similar situation can exist within residential homes for young persons, boarding schools, etc Is it correct occupants of such buildings should be exposed to a higher level of risk?.

The Radon Council that is responsible for promoting excellent guidance and understanding of radon issues has already identified this imbalance.

One is hopeful those responsible for the new Building Regulations will take on board the Radon Councils view, as clearly there is currently a risk that could easily be eliminated.

Cavity Trays of Yeovil designs and manufactures barriers, membranes and associated products for the control of radon in domestic, commercial and industrial buildings.

A Company spokesman commented: "Developers have a duty of care.

In the interests of health and safety and potential liability, we recommend structures always incorporate measures to protect the inhabitants from the effects of radon gas.

In Ireland structures are required to have radon protection measures - and the qualifying documents form part of the property deeds.

There is a need in the UK to regularise the currently inappropriate differing standards and action levels.

Until this is done, individuals will be exposed to a higher risk than is necessary".

Note: Radon gas is acknowledged to cause over 2,500 avoidable deaths every year in the UK.

Radon gas is to be found in all regions, it is only the extent of radon gas that varies.

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