At present there is no conclusive evidence that radon poisoning heightens the risk of lung diseases in children. However, it’s best to check your home if you live in an area where the geology is dominated by granite and limestone.

Testing for radon gas is simple and straight forward. Usually measurement begins with the installation of small passive radon test units which are placed in the most widely used rooms of a dwelling – usually the lounge and bedrooms. The presence of radon causes invisible damage to the plastic inside the detectors and these changes can be measured and used to calculate the radon level. Analysis and the reporting of individual results are entirely confidential.

Radon levels in a home can vary significantly over time and are affected by local weather conditions and seasonal changes so tests are best run over at least three months. Fast track services are offered if assessments are urgently required; for example for a surveyor’s report as part of a house purchase process.

After 10 or 30 days the detection pods, are removed sent to an independent laboratory for analysis using a pre-addressed and postage paid envelope provided. Test results can take two or more weeks to come through. If your radon levels are reported to be above the government recommended Action level of 200 Bq m3 you should consider taking remedial measures.