Understanding the Prevalence of Radon Gas in the UK when buying your next home.
Radon gas is a topic that often raises concerns among homeowners and potential buyers in the United Kingdom but what is it and why does it sound so alarming? This week we had two first-time buyers receive their search pack from their solicitor showing various searches and moderate Radon gas levels where they were looking to buy. Without any explanation of what it was, naturally, they became alarmed by the findings. The language used in these reports can come across deeply concerning but it made us wonder how many U.K. buyers really know what Radon gas is and should you really be concerned.
Well, we thought it might be useful writing a new blog post about Radon gas, what it is, where it comes from and whether you should be worried about it so you can make an informed decision on what to do next.
#1 - Where does Radon gas come from?
Firstly, it's important to understand that radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is formed by the decay of uranium in soil and rocks. It is odourless, tasteless, and invisible, making it impossible to detect without specialized equipment. Radon gas can enter buildings through cracks in foundations, gaps in floors, and other openings, and it can accumulate to potentially harmful levels if not properly managed.
Alarming right? Or perhaps not...
#2 - Where is Radon gas in the UK?
The prevalence of radon gas in the UK varies depending on the geological composition of different regions. Certain areas, such as Cornwall, Devon, and parts of Wales, are known to have higher radon levels due to the underlying geology. However, it's essential to note that radon can be found in all parts of the UK no matter where you live, albeit at varying concentrations.
"It is one of those things that when you read it will scare the life out of you, however as you live in the area, you already live with it. Everyone does to an extent." - Conveyancing Solicitor
#3 - What does the PHE say about Radon gas?
Public Health England (PHE) has conducted extensive research and monitoring to assess radon levels across the country. Their studies indicate that approximately 1 in 15 homes in the UK have radon levels above the recommended action level of 200 Becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m³). This means that a significant number of properties already have elevated radon levels and you're probably breathing it in already and still healthy.
#4 - Can Radon gas harm me?
Exposure to high levels of radon gas is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, particularly for smokers or individuals with a genetic predisposition. However, it's important to note that the risk is cumulative and long-term exposure is generally required for significant health effects to occur. It's also worth mentioning that not all individuals exposed to high radon levels will develop lung cancer, as other factors such as smoking, ventilation, pollution, genetics and overall health play a role.
#5 - Where can I go without Radon gas?
Radon gas is quite frankly everywhere but you can do your own research by visiting UK Radon Map where you can see the levels of Radon Gas in different locations across the UK it's good to remember that sometimes the grass is not always greener elsewhere.
To sum it all up.
While radon gas is prevalent in the UK, it is essential to approach the issue with a balanced perspective. Understanding the prevalence of radon gas, its sources, and the associated health risks is crucial but it also it's not guaranteed to cause you harm. There are plenty of things that can have an effect on our health and just because you may be purchasing a property in an area with higher levels of Radon it doesn't mean it's going to kill you, just like crossing a busy road probably won't kill you either, it might but it probably won't.
Make sure you weigh up everything before making a decision on whether to buy or not to buy. While some places may have higher Radon gas levels others will have worse pollution levels or higher flood risk. Unfortunately, there's no escaping everything so think about it first and don't worry.
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