How Can I Reduce Radon Gas Levels?

Radon levels in houses vary substantially from day to day as they are influenced by weather conditions. The Action Level refers to the annual average concentration in a home. For this reason, it is preferred that radon measurements are carried out with two detectors (in a living area and bedroom) and are conducted over a reasonable period of time, typically three months. This averages out short-term fluctuations. Tests that are carried out over shorter periods will have greater uncertainty and are more likely to lead to ambiguous and inconclusive results. 

Radon can be found in rocks and soil and enters a building through the ground. As we draw air in from outside, indoor radon is created. A safe level for a property is below 200Bq m-3, anything at this measurement or above requires action. 

If you suspect your property has high radon levels it is imperative you act. Radon produces a radioactive dust in the air we breathe. The dust is trapped in our airways and emits radiation that damages the inside of our lungs. This damage, like the damage caused by smoking, increases our risk of lung cancer.

• Radon increases your risk of lung cancer
• The higher the radon, the longer the exposure, the greater the risk
• Radon causes over 1,100 deaths from lung cancer each year in the UK
• The risk from radon is higher if the person is an ex-smoker and significantly greater for current smokers.

Although you can't find out the yearly average radon levels for the UK, you can read a report published in 2016 by Public Health England. 

Find out the yearly stats of 2016 radon in homes in England as your area may have been one of the worst affected. The report (PHE-CRCE-032) provides a summary of radon measurements made in homes in England between 1980 and 2015.

How Can I Mitigate Radon Gas?

For existing buildings a more practical proposition for radon reduction is to install a Positive Input Ventilation System (PIV) which sits in a loft of a house or on the wall in a hallway in a flat or bungalow.

PIV systems are proven to be effective units in significantly reducing levels of radon gas, the system works by gently supplying fresh, filtered air into the property. This process changes the airflow direction within the dwelling to force the air contaminated by radon out of the home.

In addition, PIV systems can also overcome poorly installed membrane systems or compensate for potential tears and cracks which may appear at a later stage. What’s more these whole house ventilation systems can help reduce your heating bills and improve the air quality in your home all year round.

PIV has proved to be effective in the mitigation of radon gas emissions where radon readings are below two hundred becquarels.

The process involved changes the airflow direction within the property to gently force the contaminated air out of the property and brings in fresh, clean air which has been filtered by the Positive Input Ventilation unit before entering the property.

EnviroVent have a range of effective PIV units that not only tackle radon but also eliminate condensation, prevent mould and improve indoor air quality which can reduce asthma triggers.