management of radon in homes

Radon is a naturally occurring, colourless, odourless, radio-active gas which is formed in the ground. It seeps to the surface and can build up inside properties.

Radon can potentially cause health issues in some cases.

Please note, not all of our homes are in areas that are affected by high radon levels. We will contact you individually if we need to.

The only way to be sure is to have a test. Tests are carried out by a Public Health England approved laboratory and involve placing two small detectors in your home, leaving them undisturbed for a period of three months.

As you are a believe housing tenant, we are responsible for testing at your property.

The amount of radon is measured in becquerels per cubic metre of air (Bq m-3).

Outside in the open air, average radon levels are approximately 4 Bq/m3 across the UK. The average radon level inside UK homes is 20 Bq/m3. There is no known “safe” level of radon, but the lower the concentration you are exposed to, the lower the risk to your health.

Current advice from Public Health England is that “for levels below 100 Bq/m3, your individual risk remains relatively low and is not a cause for concern.

If testing shows that Radon levels above an agreed level in your home, there are several ways to reduce this, such as the installation of a pump to bring controlled, fresh air into the property or extract ventilation under the floor.

The most effective and suitable methods will be discussed with you further should these works be required.

The testing process will not be disruptive. The detectors are small and discrete and do not need to be plugged in.

They will be located somewhere safe as shown on the diagrams below.

No. Your safety is a major concern for believe housing. We have a legal obligation to carry out a risk assessment and the testing process to show if further work is required.

There’s more information about Radon on Public Health England’s website www.gov.uk/government/collections/radon