Radon: The Essential Guide for
Business Owners & Employers
1.0 - What is Radon?
Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive gas. It is formed by the radioactive decay of small
amounts of uranium that occur naturally in all rocks and soils.
2.0 - How is Radon a risk to human health?
Radioactive elements decay and emit radiation. Any exposure to this type of radiation is a risk to
health - radiation is a form of energy and can cause damage to living tissues. According to the UK
Health Security Agency, over 1000 people per year die from Radon related lung cancer. Exposure
to radon gas is a leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
3.0 - Where is Radon found?
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.
4.0 - What level of Radon is considered a risk?
Radon concentration is measured in becquerels per cubic metre of air (Bq m-3). The average
level in UK homes is 20 Bq m-3. For levels below 100 Bq m-3, your individual risk remains
relatively low and is not a cause for concern. However, the risk increases as the radon level
increases. The regulations - Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 (IRR17) - apply if the radon level
exceeds 300 Bq m-3 as an annual average.
5.0 - What are my responsibilies as an employer?
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, an employer is responsible for ensuring the
health and safety of employees and others who access their workplace.
UKHSA advises radon should be identified as a hazard if you have a workplace with one or more
of the following circumstances; a building in a radon Affected Area, a basement area that is
occupied for more than about 50 hours each year, a mine, cave, or other underground
environment, a suspected radon source such as groundwater (e.g. treatment works) or
geological samples.
Matt Brodie
Radiation Services Director
E: info@luciongroup.com
M: +44 (0)345 5040 303