With over 30 years’ experience, Radonova prides itself on its industry-leading radon measurement processes and procedures. International comparison tests prove our testing and measurement standards to be of the highest accuracy and quality, whilst our innovative technologies and fast, cost-effective service have led us to produce and analyse over six million radon detectors to date worldwide.
Radon gas can be found across the United Kingdom, yet many dismiss the idea that it exists where they live, or that it could pose a risk to their health. The key question is, how much radon are you exposed to? In order to reduce the number of lung cancer cases in the United Kingdom, the target value for radon in indoor air should be no more than 100 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3).
A common reason homeowners don’t measure radon levels is that they believe remedial work will be complicated, disruptive and expensive. However, this is not the case. If measurements indicate a level above the 100 Bq/m3 target, there are simple, cost-effective solutions available to alleviate the problem. Find out more here.
After smoking, exposure to high levels of radon is the most common cause of lung cancer. According to Public Health England (PHE), approximately 1,100 UK lung cancer deaths are attributed to radon gas exposure each year. Radon is radioactive – when it enters the lungs, it emits alpha radiation from its decay, harming pulmonary tissues which can lead to lung cancer over time.
Radon is a decay product from the radioactive element radium226, which in turn is a decay product of Uranium238, found naturally in soil. As radon is a gas, it seeps easily into buildings through tiny cracks in their walls and foundations.
Homes, schools and workplaces are heated, insulated environments, therefore the probability of radon exposure is much higher indoors. Due to this, high concentrations of radon can easily build up. In rare cases, radon can also be emitted from building materials containing high levels of radium.
The most effective way to establish radon levels inside buildings is to measure with a validated test kit. Due to weather conditions, temperatures, and atmospheric pressure, radon levels vary from day to day, which is why PHE recommends a measurement period of at least three months to obtain an accurate risk assessment. If faster analysis is needed, we recommend a minimum ten-day measurement period, which can be carried out using our specially-designed Rapidos® test kit.
The Government advises that remedial action should be taken in any residential property with an average annual radon level of 200 Bq/m3 or more. Although, the target level to reach is 100 Bq/m3, which is in the line with what The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends as a limit value for radon.
Digital monitors are also an option, however these are normally used for conducting follow-up measurements post-remedial work. We strongly advise against use of radon maps as a definitive means of testing. Maps only highlight local risk due to variations in the soil, and therefore cannot indicate levels within buildings. For school and workplace radon testing there are specific requirements, which you can read more about here.
Simple methods exist to reduce radon to acceptable levels indoors. Reputable organisations providing mitigation services can be found on Radonassociation.co.uk or Radoncouncil.org.
Radonova laboratories, formerly Landauer Nordic and Gammadata Mättekinik, was founded in 1986 following the Chernobyl nuclear accident. After the disaster, the Swedish government commissioned a group of researchers from Uppsala University to measure the fallout from the accident, inside and outside Sweden. This is how a young company with a bright future was born.
Radonova has been measuring radon on a large scale since 1989 and has built a strong reputation for its quality and professional approach to the subject of radon gas and associated health risks. Now a global leader, the company measures radon in more than 80 countries. Read more here.
Radonova Laboratories is part of the Lagercrantz Group.
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