A recent Health Protection Agency initiative to reduce concentrations of radon gas in homes across the UK is prompting housing association managers, local authorities and landlords to re-examine their obligations under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), according to ventilation and radon protection specialist Airtech Environmental Systems.

Under the HHSRS local authorities and landlords have a duty to ensure that radon hazards in their properties are reduced. HHSRS is a government risk assessment procedure that focuses on the health and safety hazards present in housing and provides guidance on how to address potential risks to occupants in residential properties in England and Wales.

Airtech has witnessed a significant increase in enquiries about what action to take following the HPA initiative, announced early in July 2010, which introduces a new radon gas Target Level of 100 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq m³) while retaining the current Action Level of 200 Bq m³.

Health data from nine European countries confirms that domestic exposure to radon increases the risk of lung cancer. In the UK between 1000 and 2000 deaths each year are estimated to be caused by exposure to radon. Results based on a European wide epidemiological study showed that the risk from radon is approximately 25 times higher for cigarette smokers than for non-smokers.

The HPA says its new initiative ‘follows a review of the latest scientific evidence as well as the costs and benefits of radon reduction measures’.  It adds,  the new Target Level of 100 Bq m³ will enable it ‘to ensure people are aware that even below 200 Bq m3 there are still risks to health and simple remediation measures can be taken to reduce these.’ It recommends ‘people in homes where radon levels have been recorded between the two figures should think carefully about preventative action to protect their health.’  Additionally, the organization recommends that Target and Action Levels should be applied to other premises where occupancy by members of the public exceeds 2,000 hours per year and to all schools.

Fortunately, radon levels are easy to measure and if necessary can be reduced by making minor modifications to a dwelling. Airtech advises installation of three-month radon gas detection devices because they provide the most accurate readings. These small, unobtrusive and easy to use pods are usually placed in the lounge and in a bedroom.  After three months the pods are returned directly to an independent laboratory for analysis using a pre-addressed and postage paid envelope. Test results are usually confirmed within a few weeks.

Radon reduction systems range from simply increasing ventilation through to installing under-floor extract systems.