Radon Protection UK backs the call for urgent Government action on Radon Gas:

Northamptonshire based Radon Protection UK backs the call for urgent Government action on radon, as Radon Awareness Week begins:

Radon Protection UK specialists in radon risk management, are backing the UK Radon Association’s (UKRA) appeal for stronger Government action to tackle the hidden health threat posed by radon gas.

The UKRA has written an open letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, as it marks Radon Awareness Week 2025 (3rd–9th November), calling for decisive steps to reduce the UK’s exposure to this “invisible killer”.

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and is responsible for over 1,100 deaths every year across the UK. Despite its significant impact, public awareness remains low, and many buildings in known radon areas have never been tested.

“We hope the secretary of state listens as more steps need to be taken. Many nurseries, pre-schools and schools are not even aware they are in radon affected areas and children are exposed to this invisible gas. If we can make them aware of their legal obligations to carry out radon risk assessments and, where necessary, testing, so that every child and staff member is protected, we have saved lives in my opinion’’

Quotes Sarah Clarke Director of Radon Protection UK.

In its letter, the UKRA urges the Government to take three key actions:

1. Launch a national communications campaign for schools, ensuring every school is aware of its legal responsibilities to assess and manage radon levels. Evidence suggests that as many as two-thirds of schools in radon-affected areas have not yet carried out testing, potentially leaving over 100,000 children at risk.

2. Extend awareness to nurseries and early years providers, including privately operated settings that have often been missed by previous initiatives.

3. Provide radon information through local health services and health visitors, enabling families to understand the risk in their homes and take steps to protect themselves.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in rocks and soil. It can build up inside buildings, particularly in ground-floor and basement spaces. Long-term exposure increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Children are especially vulnerable due to their smaller lung capacity and faster breathing rates.

Although simple and cost-effective solutions exist to reduce radon levels, such as improved ventilation or installation of specialist mitigation systems, the issue remains under-recognised within national public health policy.

The UK Radon Association (UKRA) and its members - are using this year’s Radon Awareness Week, themed “Invisible Gas, Visible Risk”, to highlight the need for stronger government engagement, consistent public messaging, and wider understanding of radon risks across the UK.