Radon Gas Advice

Radon Gas Advice – helping reduce Radon Gas levels

Envirowise are experts with Radon Gas and can offer a range of Radon Gas solutions to help control your Radon Gas problem

The Radon Gas Problem

Discovered in the late 19th century, Radon is a naturally occurring odourless, colourless and radioactive gas that can be found across not only the UK, but worldwide. The danger of Radon Gas exposure within properties however, was only discovered as late as 1984. Following this revelation subsequent research has enable the development of various solutions to help solve the Radon problem.

Radon is a problem that can affect properties regardless of type, age and location. The gas is formed when uranium in the soils and rocks beneath us decays. Upon permeating the ground into the open air the Radon diffuses and is quickly diluted into less harmful concentration levels. Problems only arise with Radon when the gas rises into buildings and becomes trapped, thus building concentration levels of the gas to dangerous levels. If left undetected, higher than normal levels of Radon Gas within a property will mean the occupants are exposed to Radon over a period of many years.

The Health Issues

Statistics show that in the UK alone more deaths are attributed to cancer caused by Radon gas inhalation than to asthma. Each year in the UK approximately 2000 people die from lung cancer that is directly associated with exposure to Radon Gas in their own homes. Only smoking causes more lung cancer related deaths in the UK.

Areas of Risk

By studying the Health Protection Agency maps it is possible to identify the affected areas within the UK that have potentially high concentrations of Radon Gas. There is a common misconception that Radon Gas only affects the South West of the country, the maps however highlight that the problem is much more widespread than previously believed. The Government recommendations are that a property with a yearly average Radon level of 200 Becquerel per cubic meter is at risk. The average concentration of Radon in homes within the UK is 20 Becquerel per cubic meter.

Testing for Radon Gas

As Radon is invisible and odourless the only way to find out if a property has significantly high levels of Radon is through performing thorough diagnostics over a 3 month period – this then allows for fluctuations according to seasonal temperatures. Passive Radon detectors are placed within the main living and sleeping areas of the property. These detectors are then sent for laboratory analysis to obtain a yearly average Becquerel level. Remedial action is then dependant on the accurate results obtained. Click here to buy a Radon Test kit on-line

Envirowise offer a range of solutions to help combat Radon Gas:

Advice from DEFRA states that there are 5 ways to reduce Radon Gas levels in a property dependent on the type of property and the levels of Radon Gas that are present.

1. Install a radon sump system

2. Improve ventialltion under suspended timber floors

3. Use a positive pressure ventilation system

4. Seal cracks and gaps in solid concrete floors

5. Change the way the property is ventilated

The DEFRA chart below shows the most effective solutions for Radon Gas dependent on the Radon Gas levels of the property:

Reduce Radon Gas Levels with the Envirowise range of Radon Gas solutions:

Envirowise Radon Fan Assisted Sump System
If a property has a solid concrete ground floor the Radon laden air from beneath the floor can beextracted by using a Radon Fan assisted sump system. This is generally the most effective method, and in many cases will reduce the Radon level to less than one-tenth of the original level. For Radon levels above 750 Becquerel per cubic meter. it is sometimes the only solution. Although principally appropriate for solid floors, a fan can be used with a suspended timber floor if there is a layer of concrete or a membrane covering the soil beneath it. In some cases blowing into the sump and pressurising the soil can also prove effective.

Below is a video showing the installation of a Radon Fan Assisted Sump System:

Envirowise EnergySaver Positive Pressure System
The system is simple to install and inexpensive to run. Fresh, dry filtered ambient air is introduced continuously into the property, diluting and displacing stale moist air within the dwelling – not only does this repel the natural seepage of Radon Gas but it also reduces condensation to acceptable levels as well. The method is generally effective only at moderate Radon Gas levels, up to about 580 Becquerel per cubic meter, and works better in less airtight dwellings.

 Other ways to help reduce Radon Gas levels:

• Sealing floors and walls
• Increasing underfloor ventilation (e.g. Replacing old air vents)
• Improving the ventilation of the house (e.g. Installing trickle ventilators to windows)

These solutions are not all suitable for all types of house, nor are they suitable for all levels of Radon Gas, and in some cases more than one solution will need to be used in resolving the Radon Gas problem. This is particularly the case where a house is large or it has a cellar or basement.

Learn more about Radon Gas from our Radon Gas Expert:

Radon Gas Advice: Radon Gas The Facts – From the Radon Gas Experts Envirowise

Read Radon Gas Advice: Radon Gas The Facts – From the Radon Gas Experts Envirowise
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