The government and 31 local authorities are to join forces in a campaign to cut levels of naturally-occurring radon gas in homes throughout the country. The joint venture follows three successful pilot studies showing that better results can be achieved by working at the local level.
Environment Minister Michael Meacher said the initiative would centre on areas most affected by radon (radioactive gas). Commenting on the scheme, he said: “The radon measurement programme, carried out by successive governments since 1987, has meant that every home in England with a greater than 5% probability of being above the radon “action level” has been offered a government-funded radon test.”
“In total, some 40,000 homes have now been found to be above the radon action level. However, only 10-20% of these households have taken any action to reduce radon levels in their homes& Without proper action to lower levels in the home, it can add to the risk of lung cancer.”
Pilot studies carried out by the DETR in partnership with Derbyshire Dales, Cherwell and Mendip District Councils, with the support of the Department of Health, have aimed to encourage and assist householders to carry out remedial work.
“In this new approach, the local authority has been the main point of contact with householders, supported in the background by central government departments. The pilot studies have been very successful, both in terms of the numbers of householders seeking advice and the numbers that have subsequently gone on to carry out remedial work,” said the minister.
The 31 participating local authorities all have areas within their districts with notable levels of radon. In order to assist them, and others with a radon problem, a ‘”Good Practice Guide” has been produced based on the lessons learned and the experience gained in the pilot studies.
PLS News 11/7/00
