Radon in Schools:
What is radon? Radon is a natural radioactive gas with no smell, taste or colour. It comes from uranium present in the ground and in materials such as bricks and concrete. The danger when radon decays, it produces particles that are also radioactive. These can be breathed in, irradiate the sensitive cells in the lungs and increase the risk of lung cancer. Health studies show that radon is responsible for over 1000 lung cancer deaths each year in the UK, the second largest cause after smoking.
Exposure to radon at school:
Radon is drawn into all buildings through contact with the ground. Radon can find a route into rooms through cavity walls, settlement cracks and service entries. Limited ventilation will trap radon in a room where it builds up to high levels. The amount of radon in the ground depends on the geology. The areas at highest risk are called radon Affected Areas. The radon awareness and measurement campaign for schools aims ‘to improve health protection by giving duty holders in schools the knowledge and awareness to ensure that no individual is exposed to high levels of radon gas’.
Our aim here at Radon Protection UK is to provide advice and mitigation solutions to aid the health and wellbeing of pupils and, staff. It does this through years of knowledge and the delivery of specialist remedial services on existing buildings, schools and homes (both domestic and commercial). Call 0800 978 8435 for advice and any Radon related enquiries.
