What is the Radon Action level?
Public Health England recommends that radon levels should be reduced in homes where the average is more than 200 becquerels per metre cubed (200 Bq m-3). This recommendation has been endorsed by the Government. This Action Level refers to the annual average concentration in a home, so radon measurements are carried out with two detectors (in a bedroom and living room) over three months, to average out short-term fluctuations.
What is the Target Level?
The Target Level of 100 Bq m-3 is the ideal outcome for remediation works in existing buildings and protective measures in new buildings. If the result of a radon assessment is between the Target and Action Levels, action to reduce the level should be seriously considered, especially if there is a smoker or ex-smoker in the home.
What is your radon level?
Before you can consider how to reduce the radon level in your home you must have a reliable radon measurement taken.
This will usually comprise a whole house average reading based upon a pair of detectors placed in the main living room and main bedroom. For most homes this average reading will be adequate for helping to select appropriate remedial measures. Larger houses or houses of unusual layout or construction may need additional measurements to help target remedial measures. For advice on measurement contact http://www.ukradon.org/.
Until a building is fully constructed and in use, it would be impractical to assess the severity of a radon problem. For this reason, precautions are included on sites where radon is likely to be a problem.Currently, long-term measurements performed after the construction of individual houses are the only reliable method for assessing radon levels.
Two passive radon detectors placed in a house (one in the main living space and one in the master bedroom for at least 3 months) is the standard measurement procedure in Ireland for assessing the average radon concentration. Consult the RPII website for details on obtaining radon detectors.
Protecting new buildings from Radon
If you are building in an area with elevated radon potential within the UK you should consider installing radon protection during construction (built in radon protection is usually very effective.)
Radon is referred to in UK national building regulation guidance. Guidance can be found in the following publications which relate to each specific UK region.
England
Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG). The Building Regulations 2010 England. Approved Document C. Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture. (2004 edition incorporating 2010 and 2013 amendments) London, NBS, 2013. Available www.gov.uk
Wales
Welsh Government. The Building Regulations 2010. (as amended in Wales). Approved Document C. Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture. 2004 edition incorporating 2010 amendments. Available www.gov.wales
Scotland
Scottish Building Standards Agency. The Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004, Domestic and Non-Domestic Technical Handbooks – Section 3. Available www.gov.scot
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Department of Finance and Personnel. The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012, (as amended).Technical Booklet C: 2012, Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture. Available www.dfpni.gov.uk
In all four of these documents the reader is directed to BRE Report BR211 (2015) Radon: Protective measures for new buildings, which can be purchased from www.brebookshop.com
Dealing with Radon in older homes
Many people assume that radon reduction measures will not work in older buildings or if they do work then the cost will be prohibitive. In fact this is rarely the case:
Older properties can be remedied without adversely affecting their aesthetics or potential resale value.
Remedial measures should not be significantly more expensive for older properties
Older properties can be remedied without causing structural damage.
Listed buildings or buildings located within a conservation area can and have been remedied.
Further information for builders and homeowners on the different construction features of older buildings and their impact upon radon and the choice of solutions is contained in BRE Good Repair Guide GR38
Radon solutions for older homes which can be purchased from www.brebookshop.com..
Radon solutions
Check our Reducing Solutions page.
