Radon Maps and Radon Tests: Is My Family Home Safe?
Online, March 7, 2010 (Newswire.com) - There may be a deadly monster lurking in your home and you may not even know it. Public awareness of Radon Gas is only now coming to the forefront. Fortunately, there are good tools such as radon maps and radon test kits that the home owner can use to determine if there are unseen dangers in the home.
Every individual within the UK is exposed to radon gas every day. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is present in all rocks, soils, brick and concrete. Radon gas cannot be detected by human senses. It is a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas. Radon contamination from natural sources can accumulate in buildings, especially in confined places just like attics, and basements.
In small amounts, radon gas doesn't present a major health risk, however, in increased concentrations, there is a significant threat of lung cancer. In the UK there are an estimated 1000 to 2000 deaths every single year caused by exposure to radon. Sadly, few people are aware of these dangers. In the UK, radon related lung cancer is the second leading cause of lung cancer next to smoking!
Since Radon is naturally occurring, its concentration is directly related to the local geological formations under your home. As a result there are some areas of the UK that are more at risk than others. Most developed countries have produced studies that show the radon risk in all areas of their countries. The HPA in the UK has conducted a radon gas study of the entire country. The national radon study, has identified the risk of radon contamination for each area of the country. The HPA's radon maps identify the probability of your house having a radon gas issue.
Radon contamination within the home is not only dependant on the area you live in, but it also depends on the construction and ventilation in your home. It is possible that homes in low risk areas may still have radon problems if they are not ventilated properly. On the other hand, it is possible to have a save home in a high risk area if that home is build properly. It is impossible to know without proper testing of the home's interior air quality.
As a first step, every home owner and property owner needs to understand if they are at risk for radon contamination in their area. A quick visit to the HPA's radon map page will allow you to determine the risk level in your postal code.
If your property is in a high risk area or even if it's not, there are low cost tests that can be ordered over the internet that can determine if you have a radon contamination problem in your home. These tests are so inexpensive and easy conduct, that there is no reason why every home and property owner shouldn't do this test.
If a radon gas problem is identified within your residence, you'll find there are many ways to remove the contamination and maintain healthy indoor air quality. The property owner should seek out expert help to provide the right solution.