Dave Cage
Business Development Manager
E: info@luciongroup.com
T: 0345 5040 303
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE GUIDE
Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive
element. It is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas.
Radon is found in the atmosphere but tends to
accumulate in underground
space such as caves, mines and basements.
Radon can increase the risk of lung cancer,
especially when combined with smoking.
Before appropriate ventilation became
mandatory, many miners developed lung
cancer from radon exposure.
What is Radon? Where is it found?
Legal Requirements Radon Risk Report
Whilst the highest levels of radon gas are usually
found in underground spaces, high concentrations
are found in ground floor buildings due to a higher
likelihood of a slightly lower pressure than the
surrounding atmosphere. This allows radon from
subsoil underneath buildings to enter through
cracks and gaps in
the floor.
Workplaces such as basements, mines, caves and
utility industry service ducts can have significant
levels of radon as can any above-ground
workplaces in radon affected areas. All workplaces
including factories, offices, shops, classrooms,
nursing homes, residential care homes and health
centres can be affected.
Radon risk reports are required to determine
the risk levels of a selected building (NOT
the level of radon at the selected address).
They are used to estimate the probability of a
building being above or below the Action
Level for radon. If the result is a higher
probability of radon levels within the selected
building then further radon measurements
and testing should be conducted in order to
reach the radon Target Level.
For redevelopment sites, GeoReports
provided by the British Geological Survey
should be undertaken.
As outlined in the Health and Safety at Work etc
Act 1974, employers must, so far as is
reasonably practicable, ensure the health and
safety of employees and others who have
access to their work environment.
Employers are required to take action to restrict
exposure. It is the responsibility of the HSE and
Local Authorities to enforce these regulations.