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HPA Introduces Target Level for 'Killer Gas' | 15 Jul 2010

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has introduced what it calls a new 'Target Level' of 100 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq m-3) for radon levels in the home.

This Target Level is in addition to the current Action Level of 200 Bq m-3 which provides that where indoor levels are found to be above 200 Bq m3, action should be taken to reduce the level. It applies to all homes and should be applied to schools and other premises where occupancy by members of the public exceeds 2,000 hours per year.

Speaking on behalf of the HPA, Dr John Cooper, director of the HPA's Centre for Radiation, Chemicals and Environmental Hazards, said: "We are retaining the Action Level of 200 Bq m-3 so that our efforts can be firmly focussed on those at greatest risk. However the new Target Level of 100 Bq m-3 will enable us to ensure people are aware that even below 200 Bq m-3 there are still risks to health and simple remediation measures can be taken to reduce these."

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive isotopic gas, is known to be responsible for between 1,000 and 2,500 deaths per year in the UK and is the second biggest cause of lung cancer. This new Target Level comes in response to the growing body of evidence highlighting the health risks of exposure to radon below 200 Bq m3.

The risk of lung cancer is thought to rise by 16% per 100 Bq m3 increase in radon exposure. The latest advice on radon from the World Health Organisation (WHO) exhorts legislators to introduce what they term a 'Reference Level' of 100 Bq m3 with a recommendation that still lower levels should be aimed for if at all possible.

However, due to the significant number of deaths and cancers associated with radon exposure, organisations such as The Radon Council do not see the implementation of a second tier safety level as adequate. Brian Ahern, Chairman of the Radon Council said "We have previously expressed reservations about a two tier system and question the wisdom of having an 'action level' and a 'target level'. In our opinion this will cause even more confusion to the public at large."

The Radon Council also has reservations about the mapping system which determines the likelihood of high radon levels. Buildings in areas deemed as low probability may still have increased levels of radon.

The Building Regulations stipulate that new houses in UK Radon Affected Areas must be built with radon protection such as ventilation and membranes, however these do not require an actual test of radon levels and installation practices have been known to be spurious. The Radon Council feels that the blanket policy 'To Test Is Best' would be the least confusing solution, especially since the testing process is straightforward and relatively inexpensive.

It is hoped that the planned revision of the UK Building Regulations will provide the opportunity to improve radon protection, for example by requiring a gas barrier across the entire footprint of the building and to fully reflect the WHO advice. However, it is our understanding that the Department of Communities and Local Government have delayed the planned revision until 2013.

The fact that the HPA has introduced this target level instead of altering the action level suggests that robust radon protection is some way away. Environmental Protection UK supports the recommendations of the Radon Council and believes that the introduction of a separate Target Level will serve to muddy the waters for all concerned.