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Radon


The Building Regulations (section C2) require that, “precautions shall be taken to avoid danger to health and safety caused by substances found on or in the ground to be covered by the building”.

One such substance is the radioactive gas, radon.

A magnifying glass showing radon gas in a damaged wall.

Radon in Buildings

What is radon?

Radon is a heavy, radioactive gas that is produced as a decay product of Uranium238, a metal that occurs naturally in certain types of soil and rock. Normally levels of radon in the air are not high enough to cause a significant risk to human health. However high levels of radon can build up when houses and other buildings are constructed in areas where the underlying geology contains Uranium238 (typically, but not exclusively granite and limestone areas).

The UK Government’s Health Protection Agency (HPA) advises an “Action Level” of 200 Bq/m3 in domestic properties. In commercial properties, the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 require action to protect employees if the average radon gas concentration exceeds 400 Bq/m3. If the level of radon in a building is close to or above these levels, action should be taken to reduce the levels of radon. Radon measurement is normally carried out using small, passive detectors that are left in a building for a period of time before being sent to a laboratory for analysis. These detectors can be purchased from the Health Protection Agency (http://www.ukradon.org/)

Radon Protection and Mitigation

There are a number of measures available for minimising or reducing levels of radon build-up in buildings. These are discussed on the following pages:

A cavity drainage membrane over a concrete block, showing radon protection. Application
Radon Protection (Above Ground)

The level of protection required is shown on the maps that accompany BR211. Plots located in light grey areas require basic radon protection and plots located in dark grey areas require full radon protection. However it is sometimes possible to adopt a lower level of radon protection than that indicated by the map if a BR211 radon report for the…

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A basement, showing vents to protect against radon gas. Application
Radon Protection (Basements)

In some cases, the basement tanking system will provide adequate protection against the radon ingress. However, where a radon measurement reveals levels of radon above the recommended action level, remedial measures will usually be required. The BRE identify six main methods of reducing the amount of radon entering a house with a cellar or basement.

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Oldroyd Xs Slimline Membrane

Oldroyd Xs is a tough polypropylene cavity drainage membrane embossed with an ‘X’ pattern of grooves. These grooves allow moisture to move behind the membrane and allow for shrinkage movement when screeds are laid on top. The most common application for Oldroyd Xs is to lay it on top of damp concrete floors or newly laid floor slabs. A wide…

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Get it Done

Oldroyd Xs Slimline Membrane (2m x 20m Roll)Low-profile cavity drainage membrane with damp-proofing and radon control applications — 2m x 20m
£182.98
Oldroyd Xv20 Cavity Drainage Membrane (2m x 15m Roll)High flow-capacity 2m x 15m cavity drainage membrane with 20 mm stud profile.
£285.29
Drybase LDPM Black 1L 352x112
Drybase Liquid-Applied DPM (1L – Black)Drybase Liquid-Applied Damp-Proofing Membrane is a paintable damp-proof membrane. Available in black or white and in 1 and 5 Litre formats.
£21.99
£490.26
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