Radon

Radon is a natural radioactive gas that enters houses from the ground underneath, where it is formed from uranium which is found in all rocks and soils.

Radon affected areas in County Durham

Radon affected areas are parts of the country where 1% or more of properties are estimated to be above the UK radon action level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre of air. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) declares radon affected areas and publishes maps of them on behalf of the government. 

UK Health Security Agency: everything you need to know about radon includes a radon map of the UK showing the areas which are most affected, the map was updated on 1 December 2022. 

Information for residents

Indoor radon levels depend on the concentration of radon in the ground, details of construction of the house, the way the house is heated and ventilated and the season. Levels can vary widely between apparently identical houses; the only way to find out whether there is a high level of radon gas in a particular house is to measure it.

Long term exposure to high levels of the gas has been found to cause lung cancer, especially by those people who smoke where radon is found to be more prevalent.

The UKHSA website offers advice to residents on Measuring radon, details on how to order a radon report for your address, the option of buying a radon measurement pack and guidance on how to reduce radon levels if needed. You can also contact them if you need further advice.

Information for landlords

The UK Health Security Agency: Landlord's responsibilities with regard to radon page explains how they can help landlords who have a responsibility to their tenants under Duty of Care and the Housing Act to provide a safe home. Radon is also identified as a potential hazard in dwellings in the Housing Act 2004. The page also includes details of services for landlords with large property portfolios.

Radon measurements are recommended if properties are in radon affected areas, details on how to order a radon report for an individual property and how to order a measurement pack can be found at Measuring radon. 

Where radon levels are satisfactory (under the UK radon action level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre of air), you should simply keep a record of the results and review them within ten years or if there are significant changes to the buildings structure or use. If levels are over the threshold the UKHSA radon measurement report will provide you with straightforward advice on what to do next to manage and reduce high radon levels and to meet regulatory requirements. UKHSA advice will include an offer of the services of an experienced Radiation Protection Advisers (RPAs).

Information for employers

Legislation requires employers to act if radon levels exceed the workplace threshold of 300 becquerels per cubic metre of air as an annual average in any area. This is set out in The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017. Radon levels can be tested by the installation of small monitoring devices for a period of three months. Information on the cost and how to order a measurement pack can be found at Measuring radon.

Where radon levels are satisfactory, you should simply keep a record of the results and review them within ten years or if there are significant changes to the workplace structure or use. If levels are over the threshold the UKHSA radon measurement report will provide you with straightforward advice on what to do next to manage and reduce high radon levels and to meet regulatory requirements. UKHSA advice will include an offer of the services of an experienced Radiation Protection Advisers (RPAs).

The Health and Safety Executive also provide useful radon information which can be found on the HSE - Radon in the workplace page.

Environmental information

The Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) are legally enforceable regulations that govern the public's right to access environmental information held by public authorities including local authorities. Environmental information covered by the regulations includes the state of the air, atmosphere, water, soil, land, landscape, as well as factors affecting the above elements such as substances, energy, noise, radiation or waste, emissions, discharges into the environment.