Landlords have been encouraged to test their rental properties for radon exposure in areas of the UK where the radioactive gas could pose a risk to health.

The invisible and odourless gas is produced by the breakdown of uranium in rocks and soil that can build up inside buildings, particularly in ground-floor and basements. Long-term exposure increases the risk of developing lung cancer, and it’s estimated to be related to 1,100 lung cancer deaths each year.

Updated mapping in 2022 highlighted other areas where the hidden health risk might previously have been underestimated: Barry, Brighton & Hove, Coventry, Leeds and Lincoln. Coventry, for example, was previously not a designated radon affected area, but now much of the city and its surrounding area is in the 5-10% risk band, with some parts at 10-30% risk.

UK Radon Association chair Dr Maria Dugdale says the update isn’t due to spiking levels but clearer mapping. “The problem is that public awareness hasn’t kept pace with the data. Large numbers of people are still relying on outdated assumptions about where radon risk exists or remain unfamiliar with the risks posed by the gas.”

Hazard

Radon continues to be recognised as a potential housing hazard under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), according to the association, which adds that all landlords have a duty of care to consider hazards in their tenanted residential properties under The Housing Act 2004. It adds that while awareness among social landlords has increased significantly over recent years, the PRS appears to be lagging behind.

Testing must be carried out if the property is in a designated radon affected area (somewhere located in a 1-3% risk or higher band), or a basement flat. If a landlord discovers annual average radon level in a tenanted residential property exceeding 200 Bq/m3 (the ‘action level’ for homes) remedial works could include installing a radon sump system or a positive input ventilation system. Under Awaab’s Law - set to be introduced soon into the PRS - works would need to begin within a maximum of 12 weeks of identifying the hazard.

Detectors

Radon detectors typically cost £50 for two detectors - one placed in a living room and one in a bedroom - including laboratory analysis and reporting. “Detectors can be sent and returned via the post, however consideration must be given to whether to send these direct to tenants as they may not always follow the instructions for use and the landlord may see little return on the investment,” a spokesman tells LandlordZONE.

Radon Awareness Week is urging landlords to check the latest UK radon map at http://www.radonweek.co.uk

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