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Home: Q&A: Pollutants
and hazardous substances menu
Radon
Andrew Simnett - August 2008
andrew.simnett@kirklees.gov.uk
How to contact us...
| by Email to |
andrew.simnett@kirklees.gov.uk
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| by Phone |
01484 226478 |
| in Writing to |
Environmental Services
Riverbank Court
Wakefield Road
Aspley
Huddersfield
HD5 9AA
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What is radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally. It has no taste, smell
or colour, in fact special devices are needed to detect it. Radon is everywhere,
but usually in insignificant quantities.
Where does Radon come from?
When Uranuim decays it becomes Radium, when Radium decays it becomes Radon.
Uranium is found in small quantities in all rocks and soil, but amounts
vary from place to place, and even between neighbouring buildings.
Radon rises from soil into the air. Outdoors the Radon is diluted and the
risk it poses is negligible, however, when it stays in enclosed spaces concentrations
can build up.
Tests carried out a few years ago revealed that certain properties in a
particular area of Kirklees (the former HD7 postcode area) had radon levels
slightly above average background levels.
How do you test for radon?
The only way to check radon levels within a particular
house is to expose a test kit from NRPB (National Radiological Protection
Board) and have the results analysed.
The test kits cost about £40 and are available from NRPB telephone 0800
614529. NRPB also issue further guidance booklets, which can be requested
using the same telephone number.
A
survey on my house/the house I am buying has stated there may be a problem
with Radon. Where can I find out more information?
Further information and advice about Radon, including how to reduce levels
in houses, can be obtained from the following web sites: www.defra.gov.uk/environment/radioactivity/radon/index.htm
www.nrpb.org.uk
www.bre.co.uk/radon
Will radon affect the
buying/selling of a house?
If you are buying or selling a house your solicitor may suggest a radon
bond, an amount of money they hold pending the test results. Depending on
the test results this money is either released to the seller or utilised
to carry out remedial works by the purchaser.
How can I request help
and advice from you?
Please fill in the service
request form, giving a description of the help and advice you require.
Where can I find more information?
Further information about radon and advice about reducing levels in houses
can be obtained from the following web sites:
www.defra.gov.uk/environment/radioactivity/radon/index.htm
www.nrpb.org.uk
www.bre.co.uk/radon
You can also request information from Scientific Services by completing
the service
request form and giving a brief explanation of the information you require.
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