The Radon Council is the independent non-profit making regulatory body for the radon industry. It is not a commercial trade association. The Council publishes a free list of Contractors, Suppliers and Consultants offering Advice and Services Involving Remedial Work for Radon Gas. All organisations appearing on the list have signed an undertaking to adhere to our Code of Conduct and Practice and where relevant have demonstrated their competence by successfully completing a comprehensive Radon Council Training Programme. See later for further details. This list can be downloaded from the Council's website www.radonhotline.org or obtained by post.

The Council welcomes communication either by e-mail (radoncouncil@radon-uk.demon.co.uk) or letter concerning praise, comments and/or complaints about work carried out by a company on the list. In the event of a detailed written complaint by a consumer, the Council may ask its disciplinary group to investigate and report back conclusions and recommendations to the Council.

Consumers should note that other lists issued by other organisations may include companies which do not have a written legal contract with the Radon Council. The Council will not deal with any complaint about any companies on non-Council lists.

RADON COUNCIL'S GUIDE TO RADON

RADON GAS ONE HEALTH RISK TOO MANY

The Department of Health has estimated that some 2,500 UK citizens die each year from the effects of exposure to radon gas.

What is radon?

It is a clear odourless radioactive gas that escapes naturally from the rock beneath the earth's surface. In some regions the concentration is worse than others, but like all forms of ionising radiation can be deadly. This really is a case of the natural environment destroying us and not the reverse. Few people seem to be aware of the danger. Although geological maps might provide some guide to the more risky areas of the UK, because of the nature of the gas it is liable to cause unacceptably high levels of radon anywhere in the UK.

Are you aware of the danger?

How many employers are aware that legislation already exists for levels of radon in the workplace? How many people move house without a radon survey, yet understand the need to have a survey for drains, woodworm or dry rot?

Some enlightened and concerned people are already responding to the danger. For example, the Government introduced legislation as far back as 1985 for workplaces, ran a measurement programme and has issued guidance leaflets on radon, Some local authorities have been testing their own buildings and where necessary carrying out remedial action. Some surveyors are now starting to recognise radon as one of the factors to be considered during the sale of a building in some areas. Unfortunately, there is a deafening silence from mortgage lenders and some other about the proven radon hazard.

Radon gas seeps into enclosed spaces such as houses and other buildings where it collects. It can build up to high concentrations, depending upon the local geology, atmospheric conditions and ventilation in different structures. Radon itself also decays to form short-lived radioactive particles, which remain suspended in air. When such radioactive particles are inhaled into the lungs, they irradiate the lung and increase the risk of developing lung cancer This risk increases as the level of radon and the duration of exposure increases. High radon levels therefore need to be taken seriously and steps taken to ensure your exposure to radon is kept as low as reasonably practicable.

The harmful effects of radon appear not only confined to man, the Badger, the much-loved character from "Wind in the Willows" might be affected as well. Preliminary veterinary studies of road accident victims indicate abnormalities in the lungs of old Badgers living in areas known to have high levels of radon.

What should I do?

Unfortunately, the task is complicated by conflicting advice and recommendations ranging from geographic and geologic searches, to the withholding of sums of money (the so-called radon bond) if the property is in a designated part of the country. All of these involve unnecessary expense and risk blighting areas of the country needlessly. None can give reassurance other than a statistical probability. Isolated high levels of radon can crop up in the most unlikely places and conversely, low levels can be measured in property in supposedly high-risk areas.

Official advice has consistently been that only a long-term test of three months or more will be sufficiently accurate. Whilst this may be true that the longer the test the better in order to even out seasonal variations, it ignores the fact that shorter tests exist and if conducted correctly are able to provide a good quick screening of a building. A prospective Purchaser is not normally concerned with the precise radon levels within a building, but wishes to know if the biggest purchase being made in their lifetime is likely to be injurious to the family! 

If you live in parts of the UK called "Affected Areas", or even if you don't, the two essentials are, firstly don't panic and secondly consider having a measurement of radon levels in a main living room or bedroom as a minimum. As mentioned later this may be particularly important if you are about to sell your property. Equally important is to demand that your conveyancing-solicitor obtains radon information about a property anywhere in the UK that you intend to buy.

The Affected Area Myth

The Council has been advised that claims are sometimes made that certain properties are "free from radon", based on their not being in a designated area. It should be understood that radon is everywhere and even if the property is in a non-affected area it could still be affected with high levels of radon. An area is defined as affected based on the percentage probability of property being above a national "action level".

The only way to find out if a property is affected is to test! It is also the only way to start reducing the unnecessary annual deaths from radon gas in older homes and properties.

How do I obtain radon measurements?

There are a number of reliable detection methods available for assessing the average radon levels within your home. Any of these can determine whether or not there may be a risk worthy of further study or remedial work (i.e. work to reduce radon gas levels).

From the scientific point of view, the longer the testing procedure the more accurate the results may be. Fortunately, methods of detection have been developed that give accurate readings of radon in a period as short as 7- 10 days usually essential in house conveyancing operations. They are a popular technique in both the USA and the UK.

Caution:- The Council is aware that some organisations are operating in the UK offering "Instant" radon sampling measurements using portable measuring equipment. Because radon levels can and do vary considerably throughout the day any measurements of less than 4 days should be avoided.

As with any measurement technique it is the interpretation of results that are important. Such interpretation recognises difficulties in sampling, house construction, ventilation and human activities, as well as seasonal changes. Given proper interpretation the short-term tests are equally acceptable in deciding whether there may be need for further detection or remedial work. A number of reliable and fully experienced companies offer a range of long term detection methods and several offer the 7-10 day tests as well.

What do I do if high levels are recorded?

If you find that you have levels above the current " Action Level" (i.e. 200 Bq m^-3 [Becquerels per cubic metre] for the home or 400 Bq m^-3 in the workplace), you need to consider the wisdom of having remedial work carried out to reduce radon gas levels. The Becquerel referred to is the unit of measurement normally used by the industry.

Where can I get help on detection or remedial work?

The Radon Council' s full List of Contractors, Suppliers and Consultants offering Advice and Services Involving Remedial Work for Radon Gas can be obtained on request enclosing a stamped addressed envelope or downloaded from the Council's website www.radonhotline.org. 

You can telephone or write to any of the firms under the appropriate sub-heading for a detection service and/or remedial work. National as distinct from local firms may be willing to telephone you back with advice to reduce call charges. You may also e-mail or telephone the Council for brief guidance, but no detection or remedial work can be undertaken.

Please note that the firms appearing on the List are approved by the Council and entitled to refer only to that fact on company stationery or publicity material. Such companies are not entitled to claim that they have been "certified" for their work or otherwise endorsed. You are advised to make sure that any list is current and serially numbered by the Council. If in doubt please check with the Council.

The Council will be grateful to receive any complaints consumers feel they may have concerning any companies or individuals. The list is published annually and an out-of-date list is unreliable and should not be used. The Council has a professionally staffed Disciplinary Group, including legal advisers, to investigate complaints.

Any consultant, supplier or radon service provider may apply to be added to the list. In order to be included on the list the individual or director must sign a written undertaking to:-

(a) abide by the Radon Council's Code of Practice,

(b) follow the guidelines laid down in Part 1 of the current Radon Manual produced by the Council,

(c) observe all appropriate legislation and official advice for any work undertaken, and,

(d) within a given time have at least one employee holding the Council's numbered Certificate following successful completion of its training course and written examination.

The Council also ensures that the company has a permanent registered address, fixed (not mobile) telephone number, indemnity insurance and other information the Council may require. It is felt that this formal written contract with each company provides some protection against sub-standard work.

The Council' s list was originally prepared from separate lists previously issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and BRE Limited as well as its own sources. You should be careful about using any other lists not ensuring such safeguards from the companies concerned, or, not ensuring commercial confidentiality under the Data Protection Act.

Composite lists issued by other organisations may not operate such a service and cannot be endorsed by the Council.

How much will it cost me?

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. A short-term test using a detector posted to you for placement under instructions should not exceed £50 per house. After the given test period, you post back the detector and the company concerned subsequently posts you full written details on a confidential basis.

If you have a level near or above the "Action Levels" quoted above, depending on the nature of the property, remedial action may have to be considered. The Council's list sorts out the various kinds of service on offer. Remedial work charges will obviously vary according to the size and construction of the property.

Written schedules outlining the reasons and nature of work and including costs should be offered for all work quotations. In the past, some consumers have obtained details of the recommended remedial work from a reputable Company and have then used these details and had the work done by inexperienced operators. As a consequence several organisations now make a charge for such a schedule. You should check that this is refundable if the company is entrusted with the work.

Be advised that no one universal solution exists for radon treatment in existing buildings, therefore experienced contractors will be able to select a suitable method for your property. The Radon Council strongly recommends that radon detection and remedial work should be undertaken by persons trained and experienced in such work.

What is the Radon Council?

The Radon Council came into being in 1990 in response to the Interim Report of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Indoor Pollution. This called upon the industry to provide a solution to the radon problem. It is an independent non-profit making Regulatory Body for the radon industry. It is therefore not a commercial trade association. The first objectives were to identify the "cowboy" operators and dubious training courses then in practice. Later there followed a First Edition of "The Radon Manual" and an agreed Code of Practice for the industry. Any complaints from consumers or others about companies on the Council's list are investigated. Any Contractor found not to be following the Code of Practice may be excluded from future lists.

The Council is run by a Board chaired by an independent chartered chemist, a chartered biologist, a chartered engineer and a lawyer as well as other professional to guide its actions.

There are normally three meetings a year and observers attend from a number of government or quasi-government departments. It runs at least one training course each year.

The Policy for Remedial Work Payment

The current situation in the UK is that legislation exists for "new build" housing in defined areas for domestic occupiers and for employees in the workplace anywhere in the UK. For the much larger stock of older homes however, no resources are available for remedial work. There has been a considerable effort funded by the tax-payer to identify problem regions now designated as "Affected Areas". The lack of financial resources when readings above the 200 Becquerel level (Action Level) are found in homes means that a large proportion of houses or flats needing remedial work are left in their original state, This is clearly unacceptable from the human health point of view and several proposals have been put forward to deal with the problem. Discretionary grants although available have seldom been awarded.

The Radon Council has proposed the one UK system that avoids unnecessary bureaucracy and initiates remedial work with the provision of the necessary funds when that is clearly required. The BRE and Council are in broad agreement that with current prices the average costs of remedial action for a domestic house will be up to £750 - £1,500, A few will cost more and some less. The proposal is that at the time of conveyancing (i.e. transferring ownership of a property), the results of a short term test for radon be exchanged between the solicitors for the buyer and seller.

Should any remedial work be necessary then arrangements can be agreed for financing the work from the sale proceeds and for the mortgage loan being used for the purchase. The same kind of procedure would apply when tenancy documents are being prepared except that the onus would clearly be on the landlord to provide a property clean and fit for healthy occupation. These proposals would apply anywhere in the UK. They would also lead to an increasingly accurate picture of radon distribution throughout the country if the data could periodically be made available.

Other methods have been suggested or tried. For example, an indemnity insurance policy, or financial sum being retained as a kind of Bond. Such actions are not required if the results of a radon test are known. A Bond has the disadvantage of tying up sellers' money together with associated costs.

It has to be appreciated that the above proposal relies on the need for a short-term test for radon within the home subject to a sale procedure. Conveyancing in the UK normally takes a few weeks hence no long-term testing beyond 7- 10 days would normally be acceptable.

What if I am not selling or buying a home?

For your own peace of mind this may well be a good investment of about £50. Keep a written record of the results against the day when you decide to sell. Only if your home is close to or exceeds the 200 Becquerel level are you faced with a decision on taking remedial action to reduce the level of radon gas. After consulting one of the remedial contractors on the above list, you may have a better idea of total costs and whether you can afford them.

THE ONLY WAY TO FIND OUT IS TO TEST!

Radon in the workplace

Under the Health and Safety at Work (Etc.) Act 1974, the employer bears the principal responsibility to ensure the health and safety of employees and others. Protection from exposure to radon at work is specified in the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2000.

These regulations apply to work areas where the level of radon exceeds a defined threshold. One of the fundamental requirements is to reduce exposures to radiation to as low as is reasonably practicable.

Where radon levels are found in excess of 400 Bq m^-3 in the workplace, then the first approach should be to apply remedial measures to the building(s) to reduce radon levels to as low as is reasonably achievable.

Where can I get more Council information?
Two publications may give you more information and reference sources. These are available on written application only with full remittances enclosed. They are: -

(a) " A need to reduce the radon gas hazard in the UK" by the Chairman of the Council. Price £5 including postage, a 6 page article.

(b) "The Radon Manual" published by the Council and priced at £30.00 plus £5.80 post and packing. (Probably of more use to the professional reader).

Thank you for your interest in radon, we hope that these brief details have been helpful.

The Radon Council
PO Box 39,
Shepperton,
Middlesex,
TW17 8AD

Tel: 01932 - 221212
Fax: 01932 - 229779
e-mail: radoncouncil@radon-uk.demon.co.uk  

www.radonhotline.org

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