Page last updated at 14:22 GMT, Tuesday, February 23 2010

Radon

Introduction 
Radon is a natural radioactive gas, which enters buildings from the ground. It has no taste, smell or colour and is present in all parts of the UK. Outdoors, it is diluted to very low levels, however in some cases, the radon level indoors can build up to high concentrations and in such cases it does pose a serious risk to health.
 
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) formerly the National Radiological Protection Board, has produced a basic guide for understanding what radon is and how it affects us. General information about radon and how to test for it can be found on the UK Radon website.

Radon Levels in Eastleigh Borough 
The HPA have produced an ‘indicative’ map of radon for the UK, which shows the probability of being exposed to radon. It does this by estimating the percentage of homes within an area, which are above the action level for radon. The information produced by the HPA (on the UK radon website) shows that the vast majority of properties within the Borough of Eastleigh are not in a radon affected area and fall within radon Class Level 1. This means that no protection from radon is required.

How do I find out if a house is in a radon-affected area?
The HPA and the British Geological Survey (BGS) have set up the UK Radon website where it is possible to check whether a particular address is in a radon affected area and a radon risk report can provide information on whether an existing property is in an area where radon protective measures are required. In addition you can also contact us.

I have a report that says my house is in a ‘radon affected area’ – what does this mean?

The ‘indicative’ map of radon for the UK, produced by the HPA in 2007, shows the probability for any house to be above the action level. Radon affected areas are defined as those areas that have a 1% probability (or more) of a home having radon levels above that of the action level. This new map shows that only a small part of Eastleigh Borough does not meet this definition. More information about radon affected areas can be found on the UK radon website.

How do I find out what the actual radon level is within my house?
The only way to find out whether a property is above, at or below the Action Level is by carrying out a home measurement. Further information about home testing can be found on the UK Radon website.

General Enquires 
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