More information about radon can be found in below links from the HPA and DEFRA.
Publications by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) includes maps showing the radon levels measured in England, Wales and Scotland:
Radon facts published by the Health Protection Agency (HPA): here
Radon and Public Health, report of the independent Advisory Group on Ionising Radiation (HPA): here
Radon: a householder's guide: here
Radon: a guide to reducing levels in your home: here
Radon: a guide for homebuyers and sellers: here
Radon map of England, Norther Ireland and Wales: here
Radon map of Scotland: here
In June 2009 the UK Health Protection Agency's own Advisory Group on radon issued a new report entitled Radon and Public Health, ref. [1]. This followed the findings of a major Europe-wide study that an increased risk of lung cancer had been seen in people whose average indoor radon exposure was as low as 150 Bq per cubic metre, which is below the current Action Level of 200 Bq per cubic metre.
The Report recommends that the HPA should (i) review its advice for control of indoor exposure to radon; (ii) give greater emphasis to reducing the average indoor radon concentration throughout the UK, thereby reducing the number of radon-induced lung cancer deaths per year and (iii) should review the concept of radon affected areas as it has tended to lead to the belief that other area are not affected by radon.
While the HPA has yet to comment on this recent Report from its Advisors, the suggestion is that all houses should be tested for the level of indoor radon present.
As we point out in our section on radon, the level can vary significantly with time of year. If you wish to test for the level of radon in your home, Radosure offers two types of measurement:
a short-term 7-day measurement or
a longer term 3-month measurement.
For both types of measurement we offer two detectors, one for the living area and one for the bedroom. For an assessment of the average radon level throughout the year, HPA and Radosure recommend a 3-month measurement. However, there are situations, such as an impending house purchase, where a short-term assessment is needed. This can be used as an indicator of whether a longer term measurement should be carried out.
Radosure detectors are highly sensitive and flexible in their application. Our 7-day detectors can be used for a longer period, up to one year, without detriment to their operation. Equally, our 3-month detectors can be used either for a shorter period (even 7-days), or a longer period, up to one year. In either case you need to simply record the date the detectors are opened from their packaging and the date when they are returned to Radosure for analysis.
Radosure detectors have unprecedented accuracy. They operate under the widest range of radon concentrations seen in homes and contain unique self-calibration features which cater for exposures in adverse conditions of heat, light and humidity.
Click here to order a radon detector.
Scientific references
[1] Radon and Public Health. Report of the Independent Advisory Group on ionising Radiation. Documents of the Health Protection Agency Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards RCE-11, June 2009. Health Protection Agency Chilton, UK. ISBN 978-0-85951-6440-0.