What is radon gas and is it important for property agents in the sales and rentals sectors to know the reasons why it can be dangerous and if properties should be checked, plus, do you know where to go to get resources to help?

What is radon gas?

A naturally occurring radioactive gas that is produced by the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water, radon gas is colourless, odourless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect without proper testing. 

When radon gas is released from the ground, it can enter buildings, including houses, through cracks in the foundation, gaps in floors and walls, and openings around pipes and cables. Once inside a house, radon can accumulate and reach high levels, posing a health risk to the occupants. 

The dangers of radon gas exposure to high levels of radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall. The risk of developing lung cancer from radon exposure depends on the concentration of radon gas in the air and the duration of exposure. Smokers who are also exposed to radon have an even higher risk of developing lung cancer. Mitigating the levels of radon gas to protect against radon gas, testing homes for radon levels is important. Radon testing kits are available for purchase and can be used to measure the radon concentration in the air. If high levels of radon are detected, mitigation measures can be taken to reduce radon levels in the house. These measures may include sealing cracks and openings in the foundation, installing a radon mitigation system, or improving ventilation. 

Want to know more? See Michael’s full response in his president’s blog below:

https://www.propertymark.co.uk/resource/presidents-blog-testing-for-radon-gas.html