UK radon gas testing and measurement, from the world’s leading laboratory

After smoking, exposure to high levels of radon gas is the most common cause of lung cancer. According to UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) around 1,100 UK lung cancer deaths are attributed to radon gas exposure each year. Radon gas is radioactive – when inhaled, it emits alpha radiation, harming tissues which can lead to lung cancer over time.

Radon 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 indoor environments, in which high concentrations of radon can easily build up. In rare cases, radon can also be emitted from building materials containing high levels of radium, such as granite.

The most accurate way to measure indoor radon gas levels is to test using a validated kit. Due to weather conditions, temperatures, and atmospheric pressure, radon gas levels fluctuate, which is why UKHSA recommends a testing period of at least three months to obtain an accurate measurement.

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. They cannot indicate levels inside buildings.

The Government advises that remedial action should be carried out in any residential property with an average annual radon level of 200 Bq/m³ or more. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a target level of 100 Bq/m³ for indoor radon.

School and workplace radon testing has more specific requirements, which you can read more about here.

Simple methods exist to reduce indoor radon gas levels. Reputable organisations providing mitigation services can be found at UK Radon Association or The Radon Council.