Radon measurement | What is radon? | How to measure? | Detectors

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. Radon is created when uranium in the earth’s rock and soil decays. Generally it poses no risk, but at high concentrations it is known to increase the risk of lung cancer.

The National Cancer Institute in the United Kingdom states that radon is responsible for 10% of lung cancer cases diagnoses each year.

Radon is an invisible, odourless and tasteless radioactive gas.

It can enter a building through gaps in the foundation, drains, sump pumps, joints and loosely fitted pipes. Natural water supplies may also carry radon into a building.

Outdoors, there is little danger because there are very low levels of radon. But indoors, radon can be trapped and become concentrated.

The illustration below, borrowed from the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority, shows how radon can migrate into a building.

The employer bears the principal responsibility to ensure the health and safety of employees and others who have access to the working environment (Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the HSW Act). Protection from exposure to radon at work is specified in the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR99), made under the HSW Act. All employers must review the potential radon hazard in their premises.

The UK has been surveyed by the Health Protection Agency (HPA ), and British Geological Survey. The highest radon areas have been defined by Government as radon affected areas. At www.ukradon.org you can read more and find out if your premises are located in one of these affected areas. Regarding these radon affected areas, please note that all workplaces in these areas should be tested. Further, the HPA recommends a five-point plan for employers with premises in radon affected areas, you can find out more on www.hpa.org.uk. Further information on the requirement for radon protection can be found on the Health and Safety Executives website (www.hse.gov.uk).