Asbestos and Radon Gas - your thought?

[Lavendar01]

The level 2 survey for a property we have puf offer on, has flagged up:

1. "10 to 30% chance of potentially high levels of radon gas"

1. "Likelihood of Asbestos"

There will be some work done - partition wall removed. Not sure if your regular builders can do or would need to hire someone certified to handle Asbestos, and if this would be more costly?

Would you still buy the property ?

Asbestos was widely used, particularly from the 1960s to mid-1980s, until it was banned completely in 1999. If you’re buying a house that was built before 2000, it may contain asbestos and this is why a survey will include this in a report. We once bought a Victorian house and had a full structural survey done, which flagged up asbestos in a couple of places

Asbestos is generally okay unless you are planning renovations. If you are you could contact an asbestos testing service who can do further tests.

How old is the property? Sounds like backside covering. You can have a sample taken and tested before undergoing work.

The Radon gas would put me off, as it can be more toxic than asbestos.

Asbestos was commonly used in Australian houses until 2003, but can be removed safely.

The build up of radon though, especially in a house where you spend a significant period of time would concern me.

I live in a an old coal mining town so most of the houses all have high radon. We all just have to accept it really 🤷🏻‍♀️ Asbestos can be removed safely or is ok if you don't disturb it. Most houses in certain areas or of an certain age will flag both of these up

"10-30% chance..." "liklihood of asbestos"
There's no facts or evidence here at all. I could have written that survey for you just by sitting here, googling the address and typing up some vague statements.

You can do your own indoor monitoring for radon and then decide on any remedial measures required. It’s generally not expensive to put remedial works in place, and conveyancing solicitors in radon areas should be able to advise if a retention is feasible.

https://www.ukradon.org

As for asbestos, it was commonly used in buildings prior to 1990 - in artex, soffits and in insulation for instance. Depending on building material / type and location you can either have it removed by a specialist contractor or cover it or just leave it.

Asbestos removal and radon mitigation are serious but common issues. If the costs and risks are manageable for you, it can still be a good buy—but definitely get professional advice before committing.

Both asbestos and radon are serious but different hazards. Asbestos is dangerous when disturbed and fibers are inhaled, while radon is a radioactive gas that can build up in basements and lower floors. It’s a good idea to test for both: use a professional for asbestos and a radon test kit for radon. If levels are high, take the proper mitigation steps.