How You Can Use Radon Maps To Find Out If Your House Has A Radon Problem

Every person in the UK is exposed to radon gas every day. Radon Gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is present in all rocks, soils, brick and concrete. Radon gas can not be detected by human senses. It is a colorless, tasteless and odourless gas. Radon gas in a well vented space is not harmful, however, naturally occurring radon can seep into basements and other confined spaces and accumulate in unacceptable concentrations. Radon Gas is only considered a significant heath risk in high concentrations. It has been shown that at elevated concentrations of radon, there is a significant risk of lung cancer. It has been estimated by the WHO that there are between 1000 and 2000 deaths each year from radon exposure. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking in the UK.
If a radon gas problem is identified in your home, there are several ways to remove the gas and maintain healthy indoor air quality.
Radon Maps
The local geological formations of an area significantly influence the amount of naturally occurring radon gas in your area. There are areas, such as the Cornwall area, that have a higher amount of naturally occurring radon gas. This results in a higher risk that your home may be contaminated. There are Radon Maps for all regions of hte UK that define the risk. These maps have been produced by the HPA of the UK. The Radon Maps indicate the areas that are at high risk of radon contamination. If you home is in one of these areas, it does not automatically mean you have a radon problem.
Radon in the home depends on many factors including home construction and ventilation. However, the Radon Maps show the probability that a problem may exist due to higher ground concentrations of Radon Contamination.
With the availability of the radon maps, it is easy for the home owner to determine if there is a significant risk of radon gas in their home. With a few clicks of your mouse, it is possible to find the risk factor for your area. Armed with that information, you will be able to make informed decisions about your family’s safely. If you are concerned about the presence of radon gas in your home, there are inexpensive radon test kits available. These kits can be purchased by the homeowner and are generally regarded as being very accurate.
If radon is present in unacceptable levels, the home owner should seek out expert help with the problem. Airtech Environmental Systems has qualified people that can guide you through the remediation process.