The Facts about Radon

As property prices become ever higher, a growing number of homeowners are choosing basement conversion as a way to create extra living space in their properties. A key element of a basement conversion process is ensuring that the potential for radon buildup is mitigated. In this edition of the Greengates builders merchants blog, we look in more detail at radon and the health issues it can cause.

Some Facts about Radon

• Radon is a radioactive chemical element; on the periodic table, it has the symbol Rn and the atomic number of 86.
• The element occurs naturally due to the decay of uranium and thorium into lead: uranium and thorium are the two radioactive elements which are most commonly found on Earth. 
• Radon continues to decay, producing new elements which are variously referred to as 'radon daughters' or simply 'decay products'. Formed from solid particulate matter, these products stick to particles of dust which can be inhaled by humans.
• Under standard environmental conditions, the heavy weight of radon makes it one of the densest elements that continues to remain in its gaseous state. As the weight of the element makes it sink, underground structures like basements are susceptible to the accumulation of radon. This is further compacted by the fact that radon is most commonly found in soil, which basement structures are surrounded by on three of their four sides. A suction effect created by advection dynamics draws radon from the soil and into the underground area. 
• Invisible, odourless and tasteless, the presence of radon cannot be identified without the use of specialist equipment.   

The Health Risks of Radon

• Many case-control and epidemiological studies have been undertaken, with all showing a clear link between inhaling radon gas and the incidence of lung cancer. One of the most high-profile of these studies was carried out in a Europe-wide collaboration between the European Commission and Cancer Research UK.
• According to studies by the Environmental Protection Agency, radon is the second-most common cause of lung cancer after tobacco smoking. 
• An independent study by the Radon & Public Health organisation estimated that radon is the primary factor in as many as 1,100 deaths every year in the UK alone.
• The majority of human exposure to ionising radiation comes from radon, making it the biggest contributor to a person's background dose of radiation. 

At Greengates builders merchant Accrington we supply rolls of radon barrier that are ideal for use in basement conversion projects. Supplied in packs of four rolls, each measuring 20 metres in length, the barrier is coloured a bright yellow for easy identification. 

Please visit the product page on our website for more details and do not hesitate to contact our expert technical team for further information and advice.