House in 3-5% Radon affected area

14 replies

User112 · 02/03/2022 16:42

So our searches are back and bummer! The house is in a 3-5% Radon affected area :(

Does anyone know more about what this could potentially mean for us?

OP posts:

thegcatsmother · 02/03/2022 17:30

Don't get hung up on it. Those who live in Devon and Cornwall seem to be OK, me included!!

TeddyBeans · 02/03/2022 17:33

I live in a 3-5% area and wouldn't have even known that if we didn't buy our flat 🤷‍♀️ I've lived in the area my whole life and it's never been an issue

SNUG2022 · 02/03/2022 17:38

Out of interest, what is the reading of your current house?

KleineDracheKokosnuss · 02/03/2022 17:39

It does not matter. At all.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 02/03/2022 18:03

It’s fine, you just need additional ventilation, which your house may well already have if it’s less than about 30 years old.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 02/03/2022 18:05

Sorry, you may just need additional ventilation.

Lots of info and FAQs here Radon

AlisonDonut · 02/03/2022 18:05

So is mine. Enjoy.

TheAbbotOfUnreason · 02/03/2022 18:15

You can negotiate to request the vendors start indoor radon monitoring and put in place a retention in case you need to install any additional ventilation measures.

As PP noted, if it’s a modern house (post about 1990) then it should have mitigation measures in place.

RealRaymondReddington · 02/03/2022 18:15

Most of the SW and Wales is, it's really not something you need to worry about. www.ukradon.org/radonmaps/

TheVolturi · 02/03/2022 18:16

It's not just a case of opening the windows though! Radon is a heavy gas so doesn't escape through the windows. You might need a pump fit that drags the gas out. That's what mil had to do.

TheVolturi · 02/03/2022 18:21

And the dangers of radon gas are really downplayed in the UK. It is actually one of the biggest causes of lung cancer and is even more dangerous if you are already a smoker or ever were a smoker. Other countries you can buy a radon alarm much like we have a carbon monoxide detector. I am not trying to scare monger, just read up yourself op.

TheAbbotOfUnreason · 02/03/2022 18:22

It depends on whether the property has a solid or suspended floor, but costs shouldn’t be more than about £3k for a sump with fan. And that’s only if your indoor levels are above 500 Bq/m3.

RealRaymondReddington · 02/03/2022 18:24

We were told we didn't need anything in a 3-5% area.

TheAbbotOfUnreason · 02/03/2022 18:34

The need for mitigation measures depends on your indoor air levels, which is easy to measure but needs to be done over a 3 month period.

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