Housing associations get together to reduce radon levels in
their homes
8th August 2008
Redland Housing Association and Somer Community
Housing Trust have joined together to become the first social
landlords in the South West to conduct large-scale testing of their
homes for radon.
Both organisations are members of Somer Housing Group and have
teamed up with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to establish this
innovative radon monitoring programme. More than 4,000 homes,
mostly in the Bath & North East Somerset area, have been sent a
radon pack, which residents use for three months to monitor levels
of radon.
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can’t be seen or
smelled. It is released from the ground and quickly disappears into
the atmosphere. However, in poorly ventilated homes in high-risk
areas, it can build up to unacceptable levels. It can be harmful to
health, but only after many years of exposure to high levels.
Neil Bolton, Director of Customer Services (Property) at Somer
Community Housing Trust, said:
‘Anyone could be risk, and that’s why we’re
working with councils and the HPA to map the likelihood of high
radon levels to our homes. If this joint venture is successful, the
HPA will look at using this approach with other housing
associations.’
Fay Gorick, Technical Manager at Redland Housing Association,
said:
‘Radon is found across the whole of the South
West. We are also sending kits to our tenants in Bristol, North
Somerset, West Somerset and South Gloucestershire. We would like to
encourage residents who have received a kit to use it. They are
very simple and will give us useful information about radon levels
in that specific area.’
The results of the survey will be analysed in the autumn. Where
homes are at higher risk of radon exposure, the installation of a
simple fan to expel the gas into the atmosphere is often the most
effective way to deal with it.
Not only housing association homes are affected by radon; all
home owners should ensure that their homes have safe radon
levels.