Summary
Every year in the UK, radon gas contributes to approximately 1,100 preventable deaths, making it the second largest cause of lung cancer after smoking. Despite these sobering statistics, many property owners, landlords and employers remain unaware of their responsibilities regarding this invisible threat. Understanding radon gas and taking appropriate action isn't just about legal compliance—it's about protecting the health of everyone who occupies your buildings.
What is Radon Gas?
Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms from the decay of uranium present in rocks and soil throughout the UK. This colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas poses a unique challenge: it's completely undetectable by human senses, requiring specialised equipment for measurement.
The gas escapes from the ground through pores and cracks, entering buildings through gaps in foundations, floors, and walls. Once inside, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels, particularly in areas with poor ventilation. When inhaled, radon decays into radioactive particles that lodge in lung tissue, emitting alpha radiation that can cause cellular damage and eventually lead to lung cancer.
Your Legal Responsibilities in the UK
For Landlords
Landlords in the UK face significant legal obligations regarding radon gas exposure. Under the Housing Act 2004 and the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS), radon is identified as a potential hazard that landlords must address. If your properties are located in Radon Affected Areas, you're legally required to carry out risk assessments and testing.
The UK domestic Action Level stands at 200 Bq/m³ (Becquerels per cubic metre), with a Target Level of 100 Bq/m³. If testing reveals levels at or above 200 Bq/m³, you must arrange for remedial works. Failure to address radon issues can result in Local Authority enforcement action under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, and tenants may even have grounds to sue landlords who neglect this responsibility.
Properties with basements or cellars require particular attention. Regardless of geographic location, if your property has any below-ground spaces that are occupied, testing must be carried out as these areas typically experience higher radon concentrations.
For Employers
Employers have equally stringent responsibilities under the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17) and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. You must ensure that employees and visitors are not exposed to radon levels exceeding 300 Bq/m³ as an annual average.
The workplace requirements differ slightly from domestic properties. If radon levels exceed 300 Bq/m³, you must notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and take immediate action. This may involve consulting a Radiation Protection Advisor, implementing control measures, or even restricting access to affected areas until remediation is complete. All workplaces located in radon-affected areas should be tested.
Additionally, any workplace with basement or below-ground spaces occupied for more than one hour per week (52 hours per year) must undergo testing regardless of geographic location. Recent HSE enforcement activities show a clear trend toward stricter oversight, with numerous improvement notices issued to employers failing to conduct proper radon risk assessments.
Identifying Risk Areas
The UK has varying levels of radon risk depending on geology. Areas particularly affected include Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, parts of Wales, the Peak District, Cumbria, and areas of the East Midlands. However, elevated radon levels can occur anywhere, and the only definitive way to know your exposure is through testing.
The UK Health Security Agency (formerly Public Health England) provides an interactive radon map showing affected areas across the country. This free resource uses colour coding to indicate risk levels, with darker colours representing higher probability of elevated radon. Property owners can access this map and enter their postcode to check whether their properties fall within Radon Affected Areas.
The Cost of Inaction
While testing and remediation involve costs, the price of neglecting radon responsibilities far exceeds these expenses. For landlords, failure to address radon can result in:
- Local Authority improvement notices
- Legal action from tenants under fitness for habitation legislation
- Reputational damage
- Difficulty letting properties
- Reduced property values
For employers, consequences include:
- HSE improvement or prohibition notices
- Enforcement action and potential prosecution
- Employee health claims
- Negative publicity affecting business reputation
- Potential criminal sanctions under health and safety legislation
More importantly, both face the moral responsibility for preventable harm to tenants, employees, and families.
Conclusion
Understanding radon gas and managing its risks effectively requires awareness, action, and ongoing vigilance. This naturally occurring hazard affects properties throughout the UK, and no building is immune from potential exposure.
For property owners, landlords, and employers, the message is clear: test your properties, understand your responsibilities, and take action where necessary. The process is straightforward, costs are reasonable, and remediation techniques are proven and effective.
By taking proactive steps to assess and manage radon exposure, you protect the health of everyone who enters your buildings while ensuring full compliance with UK legal requirements. The invisible nature of radon gas means it's easy to ignore—but the consequences of inaction are far too serious to overlook.
How we can help
The Radon Consultants bring over 15 years of industry experience to help you navigate every aspect of radon management. From initial risk assessment through testing, remediation recommendations, and ongoing monitoring, our experienced team provides the expertise and support you need. Start by checking whether your properties are in Radon Affected Areas, then contact us for professional guidance tailored to your specific situation.
Those small steps today could prevent serious health consequences tomorrow, while demonstrating your commitment to providing safe, healthy environments for all who occupy your properties.