Radon
Radon Affected Area
Radon is an international issue which long-term exposure may be
affecting the health of the world population.
The Health Protection Agency and the British Geological Survey
have jointly produced new information on Radon Affected Areas in
England and Wales. A new indicative atlas was published on November
12th 2007 giving an overview of radon Affected Areas by 1-km
squares of the national grid. The atlas is indicative rather than
definitive. i.e. each 1km square is coloured according the highest
radon potential within it. This material replaces the existing
Radon Atlas of England and Wales. The greater part now fall within
the 3-5% banding (percentage of homes at or above the Action level)
and a few parts between 5-10%. The new maps may be viewed on
www.hpa.org.uk.
Leaflets are available providing additional information for
householders who may be considering buying or selling their
home.
Advice can also be obtained regarding workplaces from www.hse.gov.uk.
The estimated radon potential for an individual home can be
obtained through the website www.ukradon.org
The report will tell you the estimated probability that this
particular property is above the Action Level for radon, but the
only way to find out whether it is in fact above or below the
Action Level is to carry out a
radon measurement in an existing property.
The Government recommends that householders and workplaces in
affected areas test their properties for radon levels.
Test Kits are available from the health protection agency for a
small charge. Their address is:
Health Protection Agency,
Centre for Chemical and Environmental Hazards
Radiation Protection Division,
Radon Studies Group
Chilton
Didcot
Oxfordshire OX11 0RG
Tel. 01235 822622
Fax 01235 833891
The Building Regulations are currently being reviewed regarding
levels or radon in areas where there is only a 1-3% estimation of
homes above the ‘action level’. The HPA advise that new homes
within the radon possibility areas are constructed with precautions
against radon.
Contact Environmental Health
Tel: 01304 872428
E-mail: envhealth@dover.gov.uk
