Smartline Research
Assessing radon mitigation using sensor data
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas, formed from the small amounts of uranium found in all rocks and soils. It produces radioactive particles, which can cause damage to our lungs when we breathe them in. Radon levels vary across the country – and Cornwall has some of the highest readings in the UK.
This has an impact on housing associations and householders, as homes need to be protected against the risk of radon. There are several ways to manage radon within the home, and we’re currently assessing these different methods.
Why is it important to research radon mitigation?
When the radioactive elements in uranium decay, they emit radiation – a form of energy that can pose health risks including lung cancer and skin cancer. Some areas have higher levels of radon than others, and Cornwall is naturally a high-level radon area.
As radon is formed in the ground, it’s found both indoors and outdoors, with the greatest health risk occurring inside buildings. Builders, housing associations and householders can take measures to reduce the internal radon levels.
We are assessing different methods that aim to mitigate and reduce radon levels: so what methods are the most effective and practicable?
Why are we researching radon management?
High levels of radon are associated with lung cancer and skin cancer. It’s vital that some Cornish homes have effective radon management in place to prevent health effects of the gas. We are comparing the effectiveness of different interventions.
A common way to manage radon levels is by installing a radon sump. A fan draws the radon out of the building and into a purpose-built “sump” (a small excavated space) under the floor. Anecdotally, the team has heard of customers switching their fans off to save electricity. If the fan collects debris, it can become noisy – and if it’s not easy to clean, people will turn it off.
Therefore, it’s vital that we assess the efficacy and practicality of radon mitigation installation as well as gathering the numbers. Could a positive pressure unit be as effective as a sump set-up? If we found that a positive pressure unit is as effective in some situations, this simpler solution would keep disruption and costs to a minimum for residents.
What research has been carried out?
Our research is still at an early stage. We are collecting baseline readings of radon in Coastline Housing homes in the Camborne, Illogen, Pool & Reduth (CIPR) area of Cornwall. Levels can be measured using sensors, and the data is recorded in “becquerels” per cubic metre (Bq/m3).
These readings tell us the baseline levels of radon before any radon management solutions have been installed. After installation, the team will assess the reduction in radon, and how quickly it has occurred. We will also identify how well each approach has worked for users.
What are the impacts?
Effective and straightforward ways of managing radon in the home will hopefully improve the home environment and lead to improved health and wellbeing. The dangers of breathing in radon can be extreme, and in a high-level area like Cornwall, it’s essential that vulnerable homes are protected.
The combination of before-and-after figures and an assessment of practical applications should give housing associations, contractors and householders a guide to choosing and using the most effective methods.
What happens next?
When the baseline readings have been taken and the interventions installed, the team will continue collecting readings for comparison. We shall report which solutions are the most appropriate for certain settings.
Who is involved?
This Smartline research is led by Dr Tamaryn Menneer, with Dr Markus Mueller, Prof Karyn Morrissey from the University of Exeter and Dr Richard Sharp from Cornwall Council. The Coastline Housing project team is Philip Gilbert, Adrian Ankers and Mark England.
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