When buying a property, much attention is often given to visible issues such as damp, roofing defects, or insulation. However, there are also hidden environmental risks that buyers should be aware of, one of which is radon gas.
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can pose a serious health risk if present at elevated levels within a home. Understanding what radon is, how it is tested, and how it can be managed is an important consideration when purchasing a property.
What Is Radon Gas?
Radon is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless radioactive gas that is produced naturally from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It can seep into buildings from the ground below through:
- Cracks in floors or walls
- Gaps around service pipes
- Construction joints
- Sumps and drains
Because radon cannot be detected by human senses, its presence is often unknown unless testing is carried out.
Why Is Radon Gas a Risk?
Radon gas is recognised as a serious health hazard. Long-term exposure to high radon levels is linked to an increased risk of lung cancer and is considered the second leading cause of lung cancer in the UK after smoking.
The risk is higher:
- In properties located in designated radon-affected areas
- Where ventilation is poor
- In buildings with solid ground floors or basements
The risk is compounded for smokers, but radon exposure presents a risk to all occupants.
Radon and Property Location
Radon levels vary across the UK depending on underlying geology. Some areas are more susceptible than others, and properties in these locations may require further investigation.
When buying a home, radon information is often identified through:
- Environmental or local authority searches
- Conveyancing reports
- Professional property surveys
A property being located in a radon-affected area does not necessarily mean that radon levels are high, but it does indicate that testing may be advisable.
How Is Radon Gas Tested?
Radon testing is straightforward and non-intrusive. It is typically carried out using:
- Passive radon detectors placed within the property
- Usually installed for a period of 2 to 3 months to obtain an accurate average reading
The results are then compared against the UK’s recommended action levels to determine whether remedial measures are required.
Testing can be undertaken:
- Before purchasing a property
- Shortly after moving in
- As part of a wider assessment of environmental risks
What If High Radon Levels Are Found?
If radon levels exceed recommended thresholds, there are several effective remedial measures available. The most appropriate solution will depend on the construction and layout of the property.
Common remediation methods include:
- Improving underfloor or sub-floor ventilation
- Installing radon sumps to vent gas safely away from the building
- Sealing cracks and service penetrations in floors and walls
- Enhancing overall ventilation within the property
In most cases, radon mitigation measures are effective and relatively straightforward to install.
Radon Gas and Buying a Property
When purchasing a property, radon should be considered alongside other potential risks. While radon is a serious issue, it is important to note that:
- The presence of radon does not automatically make a property unsuitable
- Testing is simple and inexpensive
- Effective remedial solutions are widely available
A professional property survey may recommend further investigation where a property is located in a radon-affected area or where construction characteristics increase the risk.
Conclusion
Radon gas is a hidden risk that cannot be identified through a visual inspection alone. For buyers, understanding whether a property is located in a radon-affected area and whether testing is advisable is an important part of making an informed purchase decision.
By identifying potential radon issues early, buyers can ensure that appropriate steps are taken to protect health and avoid unexpected costs after completion.
Surveying Advice from KIS Property Solutions
At KIS Property Solutions, we provide professional HomeBuyer Surveys and Building Surveys to help purchasers understand potential risks associated with the properties they are buying, including environmental considerations such as radon gas.
Based in Brighouse, West Yorkshire, we offer clear, practical advice to help buyers make informed decisions before committing to a purchase.
If you are buying a property and would like expert surveying advice, contact KIS Property Solutions to discuss which survey is most suitable for your needs.
