95 Highland Homes To Be Treated For Radon Gas
Almost 100 homes in the Highlands have tested positive for traces of radon gas.
Almost 100 homes in the Highlands have tested positive for traces of radon gas.
Last year, The Highland Council’s Community Services commissioned Public Health England (PHE) to test around 1,150 Council houses in Highland at the highest risk from radon gas.
These Council houses were in parts of Badenoch and Strathspey; Wester Ross Strathpeffer and Lochalsh; Caol and Mallaig; Landward Caithness; East Sutherland and Edderton; Dingwall and Seaforth; and Aird and Loch Ness Wards.
Almost 700 test kits have been returned and analysed by Public Health England - with 95 coming back positive results for increased levels of the gas, where results are above the Council’s target level of 100 Becquerels per cubic metre.
The Council’s Community Services has written to all tenants who returned their test kits to advise of the results. The local authority says there is no need for any immediate concern.
Where a high level of radon is present, steps can be taken to reduce the level, normally by increasing the ventilation under a suspended floor or sucking out the radon from under a solid floor, using a fan.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. You cannot see, hear, feel or taste it. It comes from the tiny amounts of uranium that occur naturally in all rocks and soils. Radon is present in all parts of the UK. The gas disperses outdoors so levels are generally very low. Each individual breathes it in throughout their lives and for most UK residents, radon accounts for half of their total annual radiation dosage.
However, geological conditions in certain areas, including some parts of the Highlands, can lead to higher than average levels. Exposure to high levels of radon, over a long period may increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
Highland is one of 16 local authorities in Scotland which has areas with a presence of radon exceeding recommended levels.