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Radon Atlas
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Radiation Protection Advisor
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Radon Centres
Grove Farm
Grove Farm Lane
Moulton
Northampton
NN3 7TG
UK
Tel:
+44 (0)1604 494118
Fax:
+44 (0)1604 646456
Click here to Email us
Here are a list of the Frequently Asked Questions. Click on any of the questions to view the answer. If you have a question that is not here then please contact us and we will be happy to answer any of your queries.
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What is Radon? |
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Where does Radon come from? |
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What are the effects of Radon? |
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Why do Radon measurements take so long? |
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Is only the south west of England affected by Radon? |
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What is the Action Level for Radon and what is the risk at Action level? |
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Can high levels of Radon in a home be reduced? |
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Is there anything being done to prevent Radon problems in new homes? |
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Can you smell or see Radon Gas? |
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I am buying a house in a Radon area, does this mean my house will have Radon Gas? |
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How much retention fee should I have on a house that has not been tested for Radon Gas? |
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Does opening your doors and windows make a difference to how much Radon Gas is in your home? |
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Can I get help with costs for any work being done? |
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Are all new houses tested for Radon Gas? |
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If I have Radon Gas what do I do? |
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Can someone place my monitors for me? |
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Are you required by law to have a Radon Test? |
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Have you lost your placement instructions? |
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What is Radon? |
| Radon is a naturally occurring, colourless, odourless radioactive gas present in the air we all breathe. We have always received doses of radiation from it and always will. | |
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Where does Radon come from? |
| Radon comes from uranium which is present to a small extent in all soils and rocks. It seeps out of the ground and can collect in enclosed spaces such as workplaces and homes. Because the amount of uranium in the ground varies from place to place and because some ground types allow air to move more freely, radon levels are higher in some parts of the country than in others. |
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What are the effects of Radon? |
| Exposure to high radon levels have been found to increase the risk of lung cancer. | |
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Why do Radon measurements take so long? |
| Radon levels vary so much and the concentrations are usually so low that it is not always possible to predict with any certainty the long-term values from short-term measurements. Short term, usually seven day, tests will give a good indication of high or low levels. |
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Is only the south west of England affected by Radon? |
| No. Radon is present in nearly all parts of the UK, in most parts though, the levels are below the action level. Some of the highest levels have been found in the southwest, but levels well above average have been found in some other parts of England and parts of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. However, even in these areas most homes have low levels. | |
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What is the Action Level for Radon and What is the risk at Action level? |
| The National Radiological Protection Board recommends that radon levels should be reduced in homes where the average is more than 200 becquerels per cubic metre. This recommendation has been endorsed by the Government. People living all their lives at the Action Level run the risk of a few percent of developing lung cancer. On average, about one in thirty people exposed for a lifetime at the Action Level would be expected to develop lung cancer. | |
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Can high levels of Radon in a home be reduced? |
| Yes. There are several tried and tested methods to reduce radon levels in existing homes. The choice of method depends on the radon level and the way your home is built. All properties are individual and we are able to discuss each property to discuss the methods of remediation. Please contact us | |
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Is there anything being done to prevent Radon problems in new homes? |
| Yes. Starting in 1988, guidelines have been introduced in the most affected parts of the country to reduce radon levels in new homes. The guidelines were incorporated in the building regulations in 1991 and these are revised from time to time to take account of the increasing knowledge about radon. You can check with your local authority to see what regulations apply in your area. | |
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Can you smell or see Radon Gas? |
| No, you will need to test for it with a radon detector. | |
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I am buying a house in a Radon area, does this mean my house will have Radon Gas? |
| Probably not. The action level has been set by the government so that if 1% or more of the homes already tested are over 200 Bq/m2, then the area is designated an affected area. You will need to view other questions in this list. |
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How much retention Fee should I have on a new house that has not been tested for Radon Gas? |
| As a general rule, a normal, modern four bedroomed house can be treated for £1000.00 If your house is not typical, please contact us and we will gladly offer free advice. | |
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Does opening your doors and windows make a difference to how much Radon Gas is in your home? |
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Increasing the ventilation, especially on the ground floor, will in most cases cause a moderate reduction in the radon level. Extractor fans can sometimes aggravate radon problems, if a suitable air inlet is not provided, as they may draw soil gas into the house.
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Can I get help with costs for any work being done? |
| If reduction is recommended after long-term radon measurements in your home, you should contact your local authority for information on grants. | |
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Are all new houses tested for Radon Gas? |
| At present there is no requirement for a builder to test a house before it is sold. It will therefore be difficult to hold a retention. However it is worth asking the question. | |
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If I have Radon Gas what do I do? |
| In the first instance do not be alarmed. If you are buying a house with elevated levels, then this is only another negotiating point, go to one of the other answers in this page. If your house has been tested and you wish to reduce the levels, contact us for advice. | |
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Can someone place my monitors for me? |
| To keep our price competitive, we supply a domestic testing pack through the post, this is paid for by credit card and we supply all instructions. We offer a placement service for business clients. Please refer to our commerical page |
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Are you required by law to have a Radon Test? |
| In affected areas, for compliance with the "Health & Safety at Work Act", you are likely to be asked for a radon risk assessment, The recommedations for domestic properties are not obligatory. You should be aware though that the question will be raised when you sell your home. We would suggest that you test your home, to have peace of mind now and when you sell. | |
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Have you lost your placement instructions? |
| Click here for a set of placement instructions | |
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You can order our radon detector by clicking here |
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Seven day test for property screening Changes to Home Information Pack
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Content © 2005-8, Radon Centres. Website maintained by KWA
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