New Radon Advice From HPA: ProTen Services Explain

July 13, 2010 - PRLog -- Until recently, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) recommended that action should be taken to reduce radon levels in homes when concentration of the gas exceeds 200 Bq/m3, known as the Action Level. Research has confirmed that radon kills at much lower concentrations than previously thought, so new guidance has been issued which introduces a new lower ‘Target Level’, addresses the misconception that radon only affects certain parts of the country and advises all homeowners with basements to carry out radon measurements.


New Guidance At A Glance



•New Target Level of 100 Bq/m3 set as a target below which radon concentrations in existing and new homes should be

•100 Bq/m3 Target Level also applied to public buildings and all schools

•New bands of Lower Risk, Intermediate Risk and Higher Risk areas

•Confirmation that all properties with basements are at higher risk of containing elevated levels of radon regardless of geographic area

•Advisable to test for radon rather than to rely upon a probability estimate



On 8th July 2010, HPA issued new guidance in its document Limitation of Human Exposure to Radon which includes the introduction of a Target Level of 100 Bq/m3. The principal role of this new Target Level is to provide an objective for radon remedial action in existing homes and preventative action in new homes. The 200 Bq/m3 Action Level is being retained as a means of designating areas most likely to be at risk, however HPA now recommends that householders with radon concentrations over 100 Bq/m3 should strongly consider taking remedial action.

This latest advice from HPA results in a five-fold increase in the number of homes requiring remediation, as it has been estimated that between 500,000 and 600,000 homes in the UK contain radon levels in excess of 100 Bq/m3, compared to approximately 100,000 over 200 Bq/m3.

The new Target Level of 100 Bq/m3 is also now applicable to buildings where members of the public may spend over 2000 hours per and all schools. Previously, these buildings were only regulated under health and safety legislation in place to protect employees from hazards in the workplace.

The new advice also addresses the misconception that radon is only found in certain areas of the UK. There is a higher probability of properties containing elevated levels of radon in certain localities however no properties have “zero risk”. HPA has therefore introduced a system of classifying areas as Lower, Intermediate or Higher risk radon areas. Whilst homeowners in the Intermediate and Higher Risk areas will be actively encouraged to carry out radon tests, HPA acknowledges that, “In general, it should be considered prudent to test for radon rather than to rely upon a probability estimate”, which is in keeping with ProTen Services’ longstanding motto “To Test Is Best”.

Homeowners with basements are now advised that their properties carry a higher risk of containing elevated radon levels and that radon tests should be carried out regardless of geographic location.

ProTen Services are strongly in favour of these new recommendations, which have been developed as a result of wider knowledge into the dangers of exposure to radon gas and the finding that exposure to radon levels at much lower levels than previously thought can be dangerous.

Unfortunately, there are still gaps in the official advice, particularly in respect of construction methods.

At the start of the new guidance document, it is stated that “The HPA notes that significant reductions in the mean radon exposure of the UK population can be achieved only through changes to building practices…”. In 2008, HPA advised that “Building Regulations and supporting documents should be amended to ensure that all new buildings, extensions, conversions and refurbished buildings in the UK include basic radon protective measures.”

This advice has been reiterated in the new guidance. Inexplicably, in the light of the understanding that radon is more dangerous at lower levels than previously thought, the Department of Communities and Local Government has postponed review of the relevant regulations (Approved Document C) until 2013.

In delaying this revision, builders and specifiers continue to be directed to the guidance contained in BRE Report BR211. This document is acknowledged to contain defective advice, particularly in relation to the type and specification of materials suitable for newbuild and basement protection. There are also discrepancies between the maps in this guidance showing where protection is required and the maps produced by HPA showing areas most likely to be affected by radon. BR211 is in urgent need of revision, however in the meantime ProTen Services continue to advise that the advice of a specialist should be sought and that designers may wish to consider incorporating radon protection into all projects rather than waiting for changes to the Building Regulations.

Taking this route will demonstrate a duty of care to clients, help keep that the asset value is secure, and ensure that the property is suitable for safe occupation without the need for further works.

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Formerly known as Protim Services, ProTen Services Ltd offers a wide range of property preservation and environmental services including damp proofing, timber treatment, basement waterproofing, radon testing & remediation, cavity wall tie replacement, and air quality management.

ProTen Services deal with both domestic and commercial clients, and operate across England & Wales from a network of regional branches.

As specialist subcontractors, ProTen Services' experienced team of staff includes fully-qualified surveyors and technicians, who have earnt the firm an excellent reputation for quality workmanship and customer service.