Building Regulations - Radon Gas
Radon is a natural radioactive gas. You cannot see, hear, feel
or taste it. It comes from the minute amounts of uranium that occur
naturally in all rocks and soils. Radon is present in all parts of
the UK, although the gas disperses outdoors so levels are generally
very low.
We all breathe it in throughout our lives - for most UK
residents, radon accounts for half of their total annual radiation
dosage.
However, geological conditions in certain areas can lead to
higher than average levels. Exposure to particularly high levels of
radon may increase the risk of developing cancer.
The most effective way to deal with radon is to fit a 'radon
sump' to a property to vent the gas into the atmosphere. A sump has
a pipe connecting a space under a solid floor to the outside. A
small electric fan in the pipe continually sucks the radon from
under the house and expels it harmlessly to the atmosphere. Modern
sumps are often constructed from outside the house so there is no
disruption inside.
Further Information on Radon Gas
Health and Safety Executive
http://www.hse.gov.uk/radiation/ionising/radon.htm
Building Research Establishment
http://www.bre.co.uk/radon/reduce.html
For a "Request for Radon Protective Measures Site Report" form,
please follow the link below to the British Geological Survey
website:
Radon Protective Measures (RPM) Site Report:
http://www.bgs.ac.uk/radon/home.html
Contact
Tel: (01446) 704689
Email: buildingcontrol@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk