The UK needs to be more aware of the health risk posed by radon gas particularly when homes are built on contaminated land where the gas is emitted from the soil beneath, according to the Environmental Industries Commission (EIC).

In a  new study on ‘Radon: Tackling the risks’, EIC gives key reasons why the UK should be concerned by radon gas. It also recommends the UK government set up a publicly funded radon mitigation scheme. 

“To place it into perspective, more people die yearly from lung cancer as a result of radon gas exposure than from drink driving fatalities,” - Michael Lunn, EIC.

“The health risks from exposure to high levels of radon have been well-understood for many years, but the issue remains low in terms of public awareness or political focus,” said chair of the EIC contaminated land working group Peter Atchison.

Radon is a colourless, odourless gas created by the small decay of uranium that occurs in soil and on rocks. When inhaled radon continues to decay in the lungs, potentially causing cancer. According to the report, radon levels are highest particularly in the south west of England, but more generally along coastlines west of Britain. One of the problems posed by radon is when houses are built over contaminated land where the gas is emitted from the soil beneath, EIC said.

“Radon is really hard to detect without monitoring,” said EIC Public Affairs Director Michael Lunn. “Particular areas of risk are cellars or ground floor flats where radon gas is present.”

Typically, the householder is responsible for arranging precautionary measures where radon levels are dangerous, the report said. While there are regulations over contaminated land in Part 2A of the Environment Act, Lunn said radon gas “does not form part of that regulatory framework.” He said radon had largely fallen “through the gaps” because it is a naturally occurring gas, making it difficult to regulate.

According to the report there are cost-effective ways to mitigate radon gas exposure, such as by positive pressurisation or through a radon sump. There are also building-specific tests which involve placing small monitors – available from Public Health England for £50 -  in key occupied areas for up to three months.

EIC makes eight key suggestions in the report that the government should implement. Among them is the creation of a publicly funded radon mitigation scheme, in which government could provide free or low cost loans to homeowners to pay for radon remediation. “Each year, the government spends millions of pounds a year on anti-drink driving campaigns. To spend the same amount on the number of radon-related deaths would provide for radon prevention measures,”  the report said.

“To place it into perspective, more people die yearly from lung cancer as a result of radon gas exposure than from drink driving fatalities,” Lunn said.

Other recommendations EIC proposed include:

• Making radon testing part of the conveyancing process;
• Enforcing HSE recommendations for radon testing in workplaces;
• Including radon awareness in the Green Deal;
• Developing and applying guidance;
• Making radon searches free to householders;
• Instituting periodic radon action months;
• Reducing VAT on radon remediation.

To read the full report on radon gas, click here. The Environmental Industries Commission is the leading trade body for environmental firms.  www.eic-uk.co.uk