What is Radon and how can we protect our homes?

Radon occurs naturally in the environment. Radon gas is created when natural radioactive uranium slowly decays and can be found in all rocks and soils. Radon can be found everywhere in the United Kingdom, although certain parts of the UK will have higher concentration levels than others. To check whether you are in a high Radon concentrated area visit https://www.ukradon.org/information/ukmaps. This radioactive gas is, colourless, odourless and tasteless. Radon is measured in becquerels per cubic metre of air (Bq m-3) and specialist equipment is required to detect it. The average level of Radon in UK homes is 20 Bq m-3. For levels below 100 Bq m-3, individual risk remains relatively low and not a cause for concern. However, the risk to health increases as radon levels increase. Radon can migrate into any building that is built over a source. If Radon accumulates in a building, it increases the risk of lung cancer for occupants. Radon is the cause of 15% of lung cancers worldwide (World Health Organisation ‘WHO’ 2009) and the main cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and is responsible for over 1100 deaths in the UK every year. Research published earlier this year has found that radon levels are increasing in buildings and homes due to the changes we are making to building efficiencies (such as energy efficiency). This in turn will lead to an increase in the number of lung cancer deaths attributable to radon exposure. Technical solutions such as Ground Gas Protection Membranes incorporated into the design of buildings and structures can offer protection to occupants of homes built on contaminated lands and the harmful effects of radon. Ground Gas Protection Systems can be used on new, retrofit and refurbishment construction although design considerations are more complex on retrofitted projects. Forward thinking manufacturers, such as Delta Membrane Systems Limited, have sought to test all our products on their safety, reliability, high-quality and gas permeability. Manufacturing flexibility has never been as important for the construction industry as it is today. The permeability of gas through a membrane is a critical factor when it concerns the ability of the lifetime of a building or structure. Through extensive research we can state all our Cavity Drain Membrane Systems (CDMs) offer radon protection with a low permeability rate. Whilst, our MemTech range of Ground Gas Protection Membranes offer complete protection from Radon, Hydrocarbons, Methane, Carbon Dioxide and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

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