Large parts of Bristol and the surrounding area have been revealed as high-risk zones for a potentially deadly type of radioactive dust.
Radon causes around 1,100 deaths from lung cancer a year and is responsible for more premature deaths than drink-driving and workplace accidents combined.
The odourless and invisible gas is formed by the radioactive decay of the small amounts of uranium which occur naturally in all rocks and soils.
The dust is trapped in our airways and emits radiation that damages the inside of our lungs. This damage, like the damage caused by smoking, increases our risk of lung cancer.
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Radon levels are generally safe outside but can build indoors to levels deemed a risk to health.
It is particularly prevalent in homes in the South West. In fact, Public Health England claims the level is so high in some homes the risk to health is far greater than working in a nuclear powerplant.
In the below map, the dark areas represent areas where homes and other buildings may see high levels of Radon. However not all buildings in dark areas will necessarily have high levels.
The amount of radon is measured in becquerels per cubic metre of air (Bq m). The average level in UK homes is 20 Bq m. For levels below 100 Bq m, your individual risk remains relatively low and not a cause for concern. However, the risk increases as the radon level increases.
Radon produces a radioactive dust in the air we breathe. The dust is trapped in our airways and emits radiation that damages the inside of our lungs. This damage, like the damage caused by smoking, increases our risk of lung cancer.
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Am I at risk from Radon?
A Radon Risk Report costs £3.90 from the Government website and will tell you if your home is in a radon Affected Area.
If it is, the Government will recommend the radon concentration in your home being measured .
Ordered from Public Health England, you will be posted two detectors to place in your home: one in the living area and one in an occupied bedroom.
After three months you post the detectors back to the body in a prepaid envelope provided. The detectors are analysed and the results are posted back to you. The cost is £50.40 and can be ordered here.
How to reduce Radon levels
The government advises that if the result is at or above the UK Action Level of 200 Bq m, then steps should be taking to reduce it.
Most Radon is emitted from the ground. Some simple actions such as sealing around loft-hatches, sealing large openings in floors and extra ventilation do not reduce radon levels on their own.
When combined with other effective measures, they can improve the reduction of radon levels. Completely sealing floors is difficult and can cause rot in wooden floors.
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Radon sumps, with a fitted fan underneath floorboards is seen as an effective way to reduce levels, as is fans blowing fresh into buildings.
Good under-floor ventilation or if this is lacking the introduction of a fan helps reduce concentrations.
