We are celebrating 10 years of UK Radon Association!

Throughout our 10 years as an association, we have worked hard to raise awareness of the dangers of radon gas and provide support and information to our members and the general public. UKRA members are made up of companies who are dedicated to the highest standard of excellence and ethical performance of radon measurement and mitigation.

UKRA started in 2013 with only 5 members, all of whom wanted to create an active industry association. Through the growth of the industry and development of the association we now have 27 trusted members working alongside us. A huge thank you to all of our members, both old and new, for their continued support over the years.

2016 saw the launch of our bi-annual Radon Symposium, inviting industry members to learn about the latest radon research projects, updates in policy and developments in radon testing and mitigation techniques. We’ve now held five successful Symposiums, including a virtual event in 2021 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. We have welcomed speakers and delegates from across the world to our Symposiums, and look forward to our largest event yet, planned for 2025.

In addition to our Symposiums, in 2015 UKRA founded the UK Radon Awareness Week campaign in effort to spread awareness of the dangers of radon gas to the public. The annual campaign occurs in November to coincide with the international Lung Cancer Awareness Month and European Radon Day (7^th November), and each year UKRA releases easy-to-understand material in a variety of formats. Animated videos, press releases, infographics, radio segments and live on-street interactions are just some of the ways we’ve been reaching people with information on radon.

A recent survey we conducted as a part of Radon Awareness Week 2023 however showed that just 10% of the people we asked know what radon is or where it comes from, and almost 70% of people thought more could be done to raise awareness, meaning we still have plenty to do as an industry*.

Our most recent campaign has been picked up nationally by MSN, “Silent killer in our homes cause 1,000 lung cancer deaths a year”,  advising the public about the risks of radon and noting the definite cause for concern.

During 2023 many of our members have seen a significant increase in radon testing enquiries, and this is in no small part due to enforcement action by HSE on employers who are not compliant with radon risk assessment legislation.  In July, HSE prosecuted an employer for failing to protect staff from radon gas, and the regulator has issued numerous other Notices of Contravention to employers across the country.

UKRA was also a founder member of COIRA, the Coalition of International Radon Associations which brings together the expertise from trade organisations across the world, so that we can learn from others and share best practice for mutual benefit.

We look forward to UKRA going from strength to strength as the industry grows, and welcome applications for membership from any organisations involved in the field.

For more information on radon gas aimed at employers, householder, landlords & tenants and house buyers & sellers please explore our Guide to Radon.

*Independent survey of 3532 people conducted in October 2023.

During UK Radon Awareness Week 2023, the UK Radon Association will be working hard to ensure members of the public have a greater awareness and understanding of the issue.

Dr Maria Dugdale, Chair of UK Radon Association said, “Increasing awareness of radon is vital if the number of deaths from radon-related lung cancer is to be reduced. These deaths are largely avoidable, but many homeowners, landlords and employers still aren’t aware of the need to test their properties.”

She continued, “Over the past twelve months, there have been some significant milestones in the radon field; the first new indicative map for 15 years for the whole United Kingdom was published by UKHSA and, in a landmark ruling, the first employer in the UK was prosecuted by the Health & Safety Executive for failing to protect employees and other building users from exposure to high levels of radon. We will be highlighting the impact that these events have had, and encouraging all to take action on radon throughout the week.”

Radon Awareness Week runs from  6th – 12th November 2023. Find out more about the campaign and download resources at www.radonweek.co.uk. Join in the discussion online using #radonaware and follow us on Linkedin and Twitter for updates throughout the week.

BBC Radio Bristol approached the UK Radon Association following the news that Kingswood School in Bath had been found guilty of failing to protect staff and pupils from the dangers of radon in an HSE investigation.

Dr Maria Dugdale, Chair of UK Radon Association discussed the case with BBC journalist Steve Yabsley and provided insight into the requirement for employers to carry out a radon risk assessment, as well as the long term dangers of radon exposure.

Maria signposted listeners to where to find further information on radon, including the interactive maps at www.ukradon.org and the UK Radon Association website which includes a directory of members providing radon testing, mitigation and consultancy services.

You can listen to the whole interview below.

The Health & Safety Executive have successfully prosecuted a private boarding school for failing to protect staff and pupils from exposure to radon, the naturally occurring radioactive gas that can lead to lung cancer.

An HSE investigation found that Kingswood School in Bath, Somerset were aware they had an issue with high levels of radon in some of their buildings in 2007 and carried out some remedial works at that stage to reduce concentrations. Between 2010 and 2018 however the school carried out no further monitoring or checks on the control measures, and this only came to light following intervention from HSE in 2018.

HSE reports that five pupils at the school were exposed to levels of radon almost 8 times the legal limit and two other children, who were not pupils at the school, were exposed to levels of radon almost 14 times the legal limit. Two employees at the school were also exposed to high levels of radon during the period in question.

The school has been fined £50,000 and was ordered to pay £19,222 costs. This landmark case was the first time an employer has been prosecuted for radon-related infringements in the UK.

HSE Principal Specialist Inspector (Radiation) Stewart Robertson, said “We will not hesitate to take action against companies, including schools, who do not do all that they should to keep people safe. Every workplace needs to consider radon as a risk to its employees and others”.

The UK Radon Association (UKRA) welcomes this move and hopes that the case will lead to an improved awareness of radon and the need to properly assess the risks.

Dr. Maria Dugdale, the Chair of UKRA, expressed deep concern over the historic absence of essential processes to safeguard the health of both staff and children at this school, but added that the school had clearly made significant effort to rectify this in recent years. She commented, “We believe that this situation may be replicated up and down the country, not only in schools but across all industries as many employers remain unaware of their responsibilities regarding radon. Radon causes over 1100 deaths from lung cancer each year in the UK yet these are avoidable.”

Dr Dugdale continued, “As an industry, we remain committed to promoting awareness of radon and our members provide reliable testing services and effective mitigation systems to minimise the risks from radon. This unfortunate event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of taking proactive steps against radon and the necessity for collaboration between employers and radon professionals to maintain safe indoor environments for all occupants, especially children.”

The Health & Safety Executive have increased their activity of carrying out workplace inspections relating to radon gas over the past 18 months. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas, which contributes to over 1100 lung cancer related deaths each year in the UK alone.

These inspections have become particularly relevant throughout the education sector. HSE inspectors have written to almost 100 schools in Bath & North-East Somerset to request a copy of their radon risk assessment and test results. Many schools, that had not previously carried out radon testing, have had to undertake the required assessments, and in some cases, have found an elevated concentration of radon gas.

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 employers must, so far as is reasonably practicable, ensure the health and safety of employees and others who have access to their work environment. Employers are legally required to carry out risk assessments. This should identify all hazards that could be posed to staff, students, and visitors, and should therefore consider radon.

In certain situations, the risk assessment must include radon testing, specifically if the site is located within a designated radon ‘affected area’, or if the site contains a basement or below-groundwork area (that is occupied for 1-hour per week or more).

Several improvement notices have been issued to employers across the UK, in various sectors and industries, where the required radon testing has not been carried out, or mitigation systems have not been properly maintained. Those employers have been informed by HSE that they must complete the required testing or bring systems up to the required standard before the set deadline, or they may face further action.

For example, companies across the UK have been issued notices by HSE for failing to:

• “Review the preventative and protective measures associated with the adequate control of risks associated with the presence of radon gas.”
• “Make and give effect to appropriate arrangements for the effective organisation, control and review of preventative and protective measures required to ensure compliance with the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017.”

The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17) are relevant when a test finds radon level in any part of a workplace exceeding the action level of 300 Bq/m³ (Becquerels per cubic metre of air). If this level of radon is found, in accordance with IRR17, employers will be required to take advice from a Radiation Protection Advisor, who may advise that the employer must restrict access to certain parts of the building, display warning signs, or even close the building.

Where remediation is necessary, the cost will depend upon the size and design of the building, as well as the level of radon found. However, the required remediation work is often inexpensive.

Improvement notices issued by HSE are a matter of public record and can be found online. It is in the interest of all employers to ensure that they have completed the necessary risk assessments to avoid any potential negative press.

A number of UKRA members provide radon testing services, radiation protection advice, mitigation design and installation and risk assessment consultancy. They can assist employers to achieve compliance with this legislation. To search UKRA’s list of members please visit our page here. Please don’t hesitate to contact us here, if you seek further advice.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and BGS have provided an updated radon potential map of Great Britain.

Image Courtesy of UKHSA/BGS

Radon is a colourless and odourless gas that is attributed to 1,100 lung cancer deaths per year in the UK – a risk that is highest among smokers and ex-smokers.

The new map provides an authoritative analysis of the likelihood of a building being in a Radon Affect Area, an area where it is estimated that more than 1% of the properties contain high radon levels.

The interactive map, which has taken years of analysis and research to put together, is available HERE. Individuals and employers are being urged to check the new map to see if their property falls under a Radon Affected Area.

It is advised to have your home tested for radon gas if you live or work in an affected area. Properties situated here are more likely to contain high levels of radon due to the underlying geology and varying amounts of uranium present.

The majority of buildings in Great Britain remain outside of Radon Affected Areas, so the overall number of buildings with high radon levels has stayed the same. The new map has refined our knowledge of areas where high radon levels are likely to occur.

The risk of developing lung cancer from exposure to radon remains low, as the map shows that radon levels have not increased in the UK.

Tracy Gooding, principal radiation protection scientist at UKHSA:

“While the vast majority of buildings remain outside Radon Affected Areas, if the property you own is in an affected area, it is important that you arrange for a test.

“If you live in private or social rented accommodation, speak to your landlord, who should organise a test for you to carry out.

“Employers can use this map to help undertake a suitable and sufficient risk assessment and take appropriate action where necessary.

“The updated map provides information that allows property owners, landlords and employers to make informed decisions on the benefits of undertaking radon measurements and potential remediation work.”

Russell Lawley, BGS Principal Geologist:

“Radon occurs in all rocks and soils. Using a revised statistical approach to our mapping of geology across Great Britain has enabled us to model where this geohazard is more likely to be present in buildings.

“This map is a significant update to the previously published version and will help to raise awareness about this geohazard.”

The objective of the new map is to allow local councils, national and regional governments, social and private landlord, private homeowners and employers to assess the radon risk in their properties.

The map will also provide a basis for building regulations where mitigating measures should be put in place for new builds.

UK Radon Association members offer testing services as well as mitigation and surveying. If you live in a Radon Affected Area, please visit our member page to find a supplier near you.

For more information on radon gas please see our Guide to Radon.

Martin Humphrey Freeman, 31/01/1948 – 08/11/2022.

Martin Freeman, founder and former Chairman of the UK Radon Association sadly passed away on 8^th November 2022 after a long illness.

Martin was the instigator and driving force behind the UK Radon Association’s creation in 2013. He served as Chairman until 2016. He was also a founding member of the European Radon Association (ERA) and sat on its Executive Committee from 2013 – 2018. In 2015 he initiated the Coalition of International Radon Associations (COIRA), bringing together the leaders of the UK, European, American and Canadian radon associations to share knowledge and work together on important cross-border research. He was the Chair for the first two years.

Martin had been involved in the field of radon since 1988. Having been engaged in specialist building preservation services, hygiene and public health services since 1970, in the late 80’s Martin started to receive enquiries regarding radon. For 20 years, he provided ad hoc advice and remedial services to clients in the UK whilst the market was in its infancy.

Following a major heart attack in 2009, when Martin was Managing Director of a national preservation company, Martin made the decision to reassess his work/life balance and focus on the things that mattered most to him for the remainder of his working life.

Martin had a personal interest in the field of radon. In his own words, “2009 also brought the upsetting diagnosis that my eldest sister, Alethea, had lung cancer. Due to lifelong ill-health she spent more time than most at home and, in particular, downstairs in her living room. I had previously tested her house for radon and found the level to be 135 Bq/m3 within the living room, well below the prevailing UK Action Level of 200 Bq/m3. Alethea died from lung cancer in 2011. As to cause, her consultant oncologist agreed that, as a non-smoker who had never been around second-hand smoke, long term radon exposure to a level of 135 Bq/m3 was the likeliest identifiable suspect. Alethea’s death galvanised and energised me to devote my working time to increasing awareness and action against radon. In 2011, I founded propertECO to fulfil that objective along with a colleague from a previous post, Rebecca Coates.”

propertECO quickly became recognised as a leading centre of expertise in the UK, and grew a national client base of everything from private householders to multinational corporations.

Martin retired in 2019 but continued to offer consultancy services to propertECO and independently, and to participate vociferously in national and international policy consultations on radon.

Martin loved to travel and was a popular face at radon conferences across Europe and North America. His sense of humour has been remembered by many over the past few weeks.

UKRA sends condolences to Martin’s family, friends and colleagues. His funeral will be held on Friday 2^nd December in Sherborne, Dorset; anyone who would like details of this is welcome to contact Rebecca on rebecca.coates@properteco.co.uk.

Exposure to radon gas is a leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and is responsible for over 1100 deaths in the UK every year. High levels of radon can be found in buildings of any type, size or location with occupants unaware of the potential danger unless a specific test has been carried out.

During UK Radon Awareness Week 2022, the UK Radon Association’s Give Me 5 campaign will bring you 5 important facts about radon for 5 sectors, over 5 days.

Dr Maria Dugdale, Chair of UK Radon Association said, “Increasing awareness of radon is vital if the number of deaths from radon-related lung cancer is to be reduced. These deaths are largely avoidable, but many homeowners, landlords and employers still aren’t aware of the need to test their properties.” She continued, “The Give Me 5 campaign attempts to cut through the often confusing and technical language and bring five key messages to stakeholders in an easy-to-understand format.”

From Monday to Friday during Radon Awareness Week, the campaign will be targeting the information at different groups: families, employers, healthcare providers, school leaders and landlords.

In private housing, there is no obligation to test for radon however it is becoming increasingly requested by prospective purchasers when a property comes onto the market. Landlords have a responsibility under the Housing Act 2004 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 to assess the risk of radon in each of their tenanted properties. Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, all employers must assess health and safety risks, and this includes radon. For both landlords and employers, if the property is located within a designated radon ‘affected area’, radon testing must be carried out to measure the hazard and complete the risk assessment.

Dr Dugdale continued, “For the first time we are including a targeted message for healthcare providers, calling on them to draw patients’ attention to radon and the impact it may be having on their health. If caught early, lung cancer can be treated much more effectively yet there is still a common misconception that it is only a smoker’s disease. If more people realised that being exposed to high levels of radon in their homes or workplaces could lead to lung cancer, whether you are a smoker or not, those with possible symptoms would be less likely to brush them off and seek medical advice sooner.” She continued, “We are also targeting schools as this is a sector that the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) have been particularly active in assessing compliance in over the past 12 months. Many schools have been, contacted by an Inspector requesting to see their radon risk assessment, and if this cannot be produced have been given a deadline by which to provide it.”

Give Me 5 infographics for each of the five stakeholder sectors can be downloaded from the Radon Awareness Week microsite Resources page, and will be shared throughout the week on social media using #GiveMe5 and #radonaware.

Radon Awareness Week runs from  7th – 13th November 2022. Join in the discussion online using #radonaware and follow us on Linkedin and Twitter

The UK Radon Association is delighted to announce the date for the next Symposium, 21st October 2021.

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and uncertainty over travel and event restrictions, this year’s Symposium will be an online, virtual event.

We will bring the same quality of expert speakers and content as previous years, but direct to your desk. You will also get to hear from our event sponsors during the half-day event.

This event is FREE to attend but you must register in advance – please visit www.ukradonsymposium.com to book your space.

Radon Awareness Week is running from 2nd – 8^th November 2020 and to mark this, the UK Radon Association are hosting a series of short (30 minute) webinars. These are all free to attend and will include a live question and answer section.

Monday 2nd November at 10.00am: 5 Things You Need To Know About Radon Gas

Tuesday 3rd November at 10:00am: Radon in the Workplace: Are You Compliant?

Thursday 5th November at 10.00am: Buying or Selling Property in A Radon Affected Area: Everything You Need To Know?

Friday 6th November at 10.00am: Protecting New Buildings from Radon: Getting It Right First Time

At the UK Radon Association’s recent AGM, Lynn Cooper stepped down as Chair after a term of two years and Rebecca Coates was elected to replace her by the Association’s members.

Rebecca, who is also Head of Radon Projects at propertECO was a founding member of the Association in 2014 and has sat on the Board since then, serving as Secretary for the initial four years. She has been a driving force behind the annual Radon Awareness Week campaigns and is passionate about increasing public awareness and understanding of radon gas.

Rebecca said, “I am looking forward to building on the excellent work that has been carried out by the Association over the past few years under the leadership of our outgoing Chair, Lynn Cooper. Many thanks to Lynn for giving her time to help UKRA grow, both in membership numbers and profile. Along with the Vice Chair, Aaron Davidson and Secretary Charlotte Holmes, I will be working hard over the coming year to ensure UKRA provides essential information on radon to the general public, property professionals and the medical community.”

“Following on from the well attended UK Radon Symposium in 2019, we will be holding another Symposium in summer 2021 and will announce further details in due course.

2019 also saw our most successful UK Radon Awareness Week yet, with the issue being discussed live on BBC Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine Show with campaign ambassador, Martin Roberts. This year’s Awareness Week will take place from Monday 2nd November and we will be encouraging all UKRA members to join us in spreading the message that radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer.”

Radon Awareness Week has been a huge success this year, with so much coverage that we actually caused the PHE radon map website to crash due to the increased traffic. Our own website also achieved unprecedented hits, demonstrating the number of people we reached and encouraged to act with our message. Our campaign Ambassador Martin Roberts was interviewed on Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine show, and UK Radon Association board member Rebecca Coates appeared on BBC Radio Cumbria and BBC Radio Stoke, as well as presenting at PHE’s Radon Forum in Chilton.

It was also great to see so many of our members participating by sharing numerous blogs, infographics and posts on LinkedIn and Twitter.

The focus of this year’s campaign was research published earlier this year which found that indoor radon levels are increasing due to the changes we are making to our buildings for energy efficiency purposes. This in turn will lead to an increase in the number of lung cancer deaths attributable to radon exposure.

We hope that by raising awareness we can help reduce the number of unnecessary deaths due to radon related lung cancer.

On behalf of the UK Radon Association I would like to thank all those who have supported the campaign.

The UK Radon Association board meets in a couple of weeks and I’m looking forward to discussing how we will build on this success in 2020 and spread awareness of this important issue even further.

Lynn Cooper

Chair

UK Radon Association

If you missed Martin Roberts discussing radon on the Jeremy Vine Show on Tuesday don’t worry you can listen here for the next 28 days!

UK Radon Awareness Week 2019 begins today, 4th November.

Research published earlier this year has found that indoor radon levels are increasing due to the changes we are making to our buildings for energy efficiency purposes. This in turn will lead to an increase in the number of lung cancer deaths attributable to radon exposure.

The campaign is being backed by TV & Radio property expert, Martin Roberts, who says “The lack of awareness about radon and its health dangers is shocking – and it’s something that could be in any of our homes.” You can hear more from Martin on Tuesday 5th November when he’ll be appearing on BBC Radio 2’s The Jeremy Vine Show at around 1pm.

Follow the campaign on social media all week using #radonaware

UKRA is delighted to welcome back Lynn Cooper of Studsvik Ltd as Chair for a second year. This year she will be assisted by co-Vice Chairs Aaron Davidson of BCS Preservation and Darren Turner of A1 Radon and Secretary Elizabeth Howett also from Studsvik Ltd.