How to Reduce Radon Gas Levels in the Home

How to Reduce Radon Gas Levels in the Home

By Ruth MacEachern

Product Manager

Radon gas in the home can be a health risk for people of all ages and is present in many parts of the UK, however many homeowners may not be aware that their area is affected and whether the gas is present in their home.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is released from certain types of rock including granite.  The gas can become trapped in a home and build up over time, and long-term exposure has been linked with increased risk of certain types of lung cancer (NRBP).  If you live in an area which is affected, it is sensible to reduce levels of radon gas in your home to minimise this health risk.

What is the risk of Radon in your Home?

Radon gas is completely invisible and has no smell – you could be living in a house that is affected by Radon and you would not even know it.  Testing is required to find the gas, and detectors are often found in homes in areas that are prone to higher radon levels.

The risk of radon exposure is dependent on the amount of gas that enters the lungs.  When radon is inhaled, it can become trapped in the airways and emit radiation that damages tissue and increases the risk of lung cancer.

Which areas of the UK are affected by Radon Gas?

Radon gas can be found in almost all areas of the UK to some extent, but the highest concentrations are found in places with higher levels of granite and igneous (volcanic) rocks.  These areas include Devon and Cornwall where levels are highest, across much of Wales, and in mountainous areas of England as well as Scotland.

How Can you Reduce Radon Gas Levels?

Simply opening windows is not enough to significantly reduce Radon gas levels, you need proper ventilation.  This means having a flow of air through the house and filtering the air that enters.  It is important to recognise that if you live in an area which has high natural Radon levels, there will always be some of the gas present, however ventilation prevents the gas from building up above 200bq/m3 which is the point at which action should be taken according to the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB).

How EnviroVent Can Help

At EnviroVent, we are dedicated to providing good indoor air quality… because air matters!

Our Positive Input Ventilation systems, which benefit thousands of homes across the UK, deliver fresh, filtered air into a property at a continuous rate, and gently ventilate the home. These units have proved to be effective in significantly reducing radon levels to below 200 becquerels, which is a healthy level.

Positive Input Ventilation Systems also benefit homes by reducing condensation and preventing damp and mould along with reducing the concentration of other VOCs and dust in the air which can exacerbate asthma and other allergies.

To find out more about how improving ventilation in your property can reduce the risk of Radon gas to your health, please contact us today and speak to your local EnviroVent specialist.