Radon is a radioactive gas which
originates from naturally occurring uranium in the ground. The gas
seeps into the atmosphere from the ground and can concentrate
inside houses and other enclosed spaces especially if there is no
ventilation. The levels of radon vary widely across the country
according the types of rock which are present. Since the 1980’s the
government has had a policy of controlling levels of radon in
houses by identifying those most at risk and installing simple
remediation measures. Newly built properties are also protected in
high risk areas.
Does Purbeck have any areas
where radon is high?
Generally the
majority of the area is at low risk from radon, however there
are some areas in the south of the district which the
Health Protection Agency have
identified as being at higher risk.
I
Is your home at risk?
You can find out if
your property could be potentially affected by radon gas on
the UK Radon
website.
What are the
health risks of Radon?
If you breathe in
the particles called “radon daughters” produced from radioactive
decay of radon they can damage your lung tissues. Radon has
been linked to lung cancer by many health studies and is the second
largest cause of lung cancer – the first is smoking. There
are easy, cheap and permanent measures you can take to reduce radon
levels in a house to acceptable levels of risk.
Detecting
radon in your home
Radon detector packs
are also available and can be ordered from the Health Protection
Agency
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