Radon gas detection has become an essential part of maintaining a safe home or workplace, and Equiptest continues to provide reliable, accredited monitoring and radon mitigation solutions for properties across the UK.
What is Radon gas?
Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive gas formed by the natural decay of uranium found in rocks and soil. It is present in every building, usually at low levels. However, elevated concentrations can pose a significant health risk.
Where is Radon gas found?
Radon can enter buildings through small gaps, cracks, or pressure differences between the soil and the property. Basements are particularly prone to higher levels, regardless of location, making regular testing important.
What are the health risks?
Radon decay products release alpha radiation particles that can be inhaled into the lungs. Over time, this can damage DNA and significantly increase the risk of lung cancer. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, contributing to an estimated 1,100–2,000 deaths in the UK each year.
How is Radon gas measured and when do you need to act?
Radon is measured in becquerels per cubic metre (Bq m‑3).
- The UK average is around 20 Bq m‑3.
- Public Health England recommends action when levels exceed 200 Bq m‑3 (the Action Level).
- Workplaces must assess radon under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and additional requirements apply if levels exceed 400 Bq m‑3. At this level and above employers are required to take action to restrict exposure. The HSE and Local Authorities are responsible for enforcing these regulations.
How do we monitor Radon Gas?
Although indicative mapping and online sources that provide radon levels by postcode can give you some indication of radon levels in your building the only reliable way to understand radon levels in your property is through testing. Equiptest provides long‑term and short‑term radon detectors for both domestic and commercial buildings. Detectors are placed strategically throughout the property and analysed by an independent laboratory to provide accurate results.
Monitoring is available for domestic homes and commercial properties. Monitors are safe and simple to use, consisting of a hollow plastic shell that holds a piece of plastic that records any damage done by the alpha particles emitted from Radon gas. They can be positioned out of the way on a shelf, for example, so should not affect your daily life. Once the testing period is up the detectors are sent for analysis at an independent lab.
Radon levels fluctuate over time and room to room and can also be affected by weather conditions. This means monitoring is ideally carried out over a period of three months to allow for these variations. To test in your home we use two detectors, one in a bedroom and one in the living room. If a property is large there may need to be more detectors to get an accurate reading. In the workplace monitors are placed strategically around the building in areas used widely by employees, avoiding kitchens, toilets, or corridors.
Radon Mitigation: What Happens If Levels Are High?
If our investigations show your levels of radon gas are over the Action Level or the recommended Target Level of 100 Bq-m3, we would recommend action is taken. Equiptest offers expert guidance and practical radon mitigation solutions. These may include:
- Active radon sump systems to extract radon from beneath the building
- Positive pressurisation systems to prevent radon entering the property
- Heat recovery ventilation, particularly effective for basements
- Sealing cracks and openings to reduce radon ingress
We also support workplaces with HSE notification and compliance requirements.
Concerned about the Radon gas levels in your property?
If you’re worried about radon in your home or workplace then don’t hesitate to get in touch to arrange professional radon gas detection and discuss mitigation options tailored to your property.
