Landlords and tenants visited the Isle of Anglesey County Council’s headquarters in Llangefni recently to learn more about Radon gas.
The Council’s Housing Service is keen to spread the word about the potentially harmful effects of being exposed to high levels of the naturally-occurring radioactive gas.
The authority is already taking proactive steps to help tenants living in parts of the Island with elevated Radon gas levels to measure the level of Radon in their homes. Tenants have already received two special monitors to measure levels of the gas. These should be placed on the ground floor at breathing height in the living room and hall. Radon levels will then be measured over a three-month period, before being sent away for analysis.
The average radon level for all UK dwellings is 20 Bq m-3 (becquerels per metre cubed) and the Action Level is 200 Bq m-3. At or above the Action Level, remedial action to reduce radon is recommended.
Huw Thomas, Principal Environmental Health Officer at the Isle of Anglesey County Council said, “We were glad to see landlords and tenants come and see us with their queries about Radon gas. Many were concerned about the health risks, but there are simple and generally very effective remedial measures which can be taken, which will vary from house to house. Radon gas will be one of the many matters discussed in the next Landlords’ Forum on 25th May.”
Head of Housing Services, Shan Ll. Williams, added, “It’s very important that landlords and tenants take notice of the letter and follow the instructions for monitoring levels of Radon gas. By working together, we can help reduce exposure to harmful levels of this gas.”
A leaflet containing further information about Radon gas can be viewed on the council’s pollution web pages or contact the Council’s Environmental Health Section on 01248 752820.
