What is Radon Gas?

Radon gas quite often appears in searches, during the conveyancing process

What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in rocks and soil across the UK. It is invisible and odorless, making it hard to detect without testing. Radon can enter homes through cracks and gaps from the ground. While it's generally low outdoors, it can accumulate indoors, particularly in areas with poor ventilation. The average radon level in UK homes is about 20 Bq m³.
Radon Affected Areas
Radon Affected Areas are regions where more than 1% of homes have radon levels at or above 200 Bq m³, known as the Action Level. Radon maps show the probability of a building having levels above this Action Level. For instance, a 3-5% risk indicates that 3 to 5 out of every 100 homes in that area are likely to exceed 200 Bq m³.
Action and Target Levels
The UK Action Level for radon is 200 Bq m³, the threshold at which action is recommended to reduce radon levels. The Target Level is 100 Bq m³, which is the optimal aim for any reduction efforts. If radon levels are between 100 and 200 Bq m³, especially for smokers, it’s advised to consider taking action.
Testing for Radon
The only way to determine your home's radon level is through testing. You can check if your property is in a Radon Affected Area via the UKRadon website. If needed, you can order a radon measurement kit from UKRadon, which involves using detectors in your home for three months.