Radon in Buildings
The Department of Environment, Food & Agriculture (DEFA) has a legal obligation to take a series of actions on radon.
The naturally occurring radioactive gas is released when uranium in rocks and soils decays overtime and people that breathe it in over many years can have an increased risk of lung cancer.
This is why it is so important to find out if there are any areas of concern on the Isle of Man. Work is already well underway.
DEFA has commissioned the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to undertake a radon survey of selected buildings across all areas of the Isle of Man.
This involves placing small coaster sized detectors in each property for around three months. Schools have already been tested and around 700 homes will be later this year.
The data will then be used to create the Isle of Man’s first digital radon risk map and bring it in line with the UK.
How do we lower radon levels in buildings?
A high radon level can be reduced using a method appropriate to the form of the building’s construction.
Detailed information is provided by the UKHSA here: www.ukradon.org/information/reducelevels
More information about Radon can be found at:
