Homeowners Urged To Find Out Their Radon Risk, UK

Main Category: Lung Cancer
Article Date: 16 Jan 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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Radon is now recognised to be the second largest cause of lung cancer in UK **

A recent study undertaken by the University of Oxford claims that about 1100 people in the UK die every year from radon poisoning in their own home.*** Landmark Information Group advises homeowners to find out if their home could potentially be exposed to dangerous levels of toxic gas, and other environmental risks, via its website http://www.homecheck.co.uk .

Radon risk is highest where properties are built on top of uranium rich soils such as granite. The poisonous gas can seep through the foundations of a building and into homes exposing householders to more intense levels of radon than in the outdoors. Now recognised to be the second largest cause of lung cancer after smoking, high exposure to radon gas in enclosed spaces is a serious issue that more homeowners across the country should be aware of.

James Sherwood-Rogers Managing Director of Landmark Legal and Financial comments: "With so many properties in the UK in areas where radon exposure is high we would urge homeowners to take steps to protect their homes. Radon can prove particularly dangerous especially in properties that are well insulated or tightly sealed and built on soil that is rich in uranium. Homeowners would be advised to find out if they are living in an area potentially at risk from radon and take the necessary precautions."

If it turns out that a property is located in a radon risk area there are several options a homeowner can take to protect their family. These include installing a radon sump, sealing all floors and walls and increasing underfloor and internal ventilation.

Sherwood-Rogers continues: "A property specific Environmental Report will offer homebuyers and property owners peace of mind. Too often people forget about the hidden dangers underneath a property and do not realise that they could be living on top of a potential health hazard."

Homeowners can find out if their property is situated in an area at risk from radon by purchasing a Homecheck Environmental Report for just £41.06. This report not only contains details of radon risk but also informs the buyer also whether a property is affected by land contamination, subsidence and basic flood risk.

Notes

* Taken from Landmark Data Index. The data is based on areas where more than 3% of homes are above the action level for Radon.

** http://www.hse.gov.uk/radiation/ionising/radon.htm

***

• http://www.news-medical.net/?id=44715
• http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7813107.stm

Landmark Information Group

Landmark is the UK's leading provider of digital mapping and land data intelligence. Holding one of Europe's largest databases of land, property and environment information, Landmark supplies comprehensive data electronically to a wide range of professionals in conveyancing, property, environment and government.

Landmark Information Group

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