West Oxfordshire District Council

Page navigation

Home << Environment << Environmental health << Radon in West Oxfordshire

Site directory

Publications listings
List our publications

Radon in West Oxfordshire

What is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and is found in small amounts in all rock and soil. Radon seeps out of the ground and can collect in enclosed spaces such as buildings through floors.

Most buildings have low levels of radon that do not pose a problem and if levels are high they can usually be reduced for a reasonable cost.

Exposure to high levels of radon is associated with an increased risk of developing lung cancer, particularly if the exposure is long term at a high level and combined with cigarette smoking. Get advice on stopping smoking.

For a small fee you can check whether you live in a 'radon affected area' by visiting www.ukradon.org.

Radon Programme in West Oxfordshire

Much of the northern area of West Oxfordshire is designated as a radon affected area. The objective of the radon programme is to identify and remediate homes with unacceptably high levels which should be reduced. New homes since 1999 are protected through the building regulation requirements.

Working with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) we are running a radon awareness programme during 2011 and 2012.

4500 households in West Oxfordshire district accepted the offer of free radon detectors in Autumn 2011. Residents left these detectors in their homes for three months and then returned them to the HPA for analysis. The test results were sent to households between November 2011 and February 2012.

The HPA advises that homes with radon levels above the Action Level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3) should be remediated, preferably to below the Target Level of 100 Bq/m3. Householders with levels between the Target Level and Action Level should seriously consider reducing their radon level, especially if they are at greater risk, such as if they are current or ex-smokers. Information about how to do the remedial building works will be sent with the test results and can also be found at www.ukradon.org.

Further information

The Radon Council publish guidance on radon and has details of companies which provide radon testing.
Call: 01932 221212
The HPA has a UK reference site on radon that offers a range of services including publications for people purchasing homes.
Call: 01235 822622
Free answer phone for householders: 0800 614529
Radon Report service: 01235 822622
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) has more information about radon solutions.
The British Geological Survey (BGS) has prepared maps of radon risk potential based upon geology.
A list of some companies who do remedial radon works are listed here.