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.

Pollution & Noise Control
Riverbank Court
Wakefield Road
Aspley
Huddersfield
HD5 9AA

Tel: 01484 414739
Email: pollution@kirklees.gov.uk