Radiation Monitoring
Historically, monitoring of background gamma dose rate
radiation has taken place quarterly at 12 sites around the
district:
Arnside (x2); Sedbergh; Dent Head; Kirkby Lonsdale; Bowness;
Elterwater; Broughton-in-Furness; Bardsea; Ulverston; Kents Bank
and Kendal.
This background radiation occurs both naturally and from
manmade sources. Approximately 85% of the total
annual dose of radiation exposure comes from natural sources in the
air, ground and buildings, food, drink and cosmic rays. The
remaining manmade exposure comprises medical sources such as x-ray,
residual levels from nuclear weapons testing during the
1950's and 60's, nuclear power and increased exposure due to
high altitude air travel.
Average levels to date in South Lakeland have been around the
national average of 580 micro sieverts. Recorded levels are
significantly below the dose limit for members of the public of 1
milli sievert per year (total ionising radiation). Monitoring
has been suspended since 2008 given these results.
Radon
What is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally. It is
produced by the decay of uranium to radium and then radon. Uranium
is found in small quantities in all soil and rocks, but amounts
vary from place to place. This means levels of radon can differ
even between neighbouring properties.
Radon rises from the soil into the air. Outdoors radon is
diluted, but when it is enclosed, such as in the home,
concentrations can build up.
Radon has no taste, smell or colour, but long term exposure to
high concentrations can pose a serious risk to health. Damage to
lung tissue and a link to cancer have been found in studies. The
Government advises that a level of 200 Bq/m3 (becquerels
per cubic metre) should be considered the Action Level (the level
at which action should be taken to reduce radon
concentrations).
You can test for it
Contact the
Health
Protection Agency (HPA) or telephone 0800 614529 to order
a test. This currently costs £46.88 including VAT. The
site also has indicative radon maps showing the potential levels in
your area. The HPA can also provide an indicative Radon
Risk Report which will tell you if your home is in a radon affected
area for £3.53 including VAT.
What do I do if I find a level above 200
Bq/m3?
It is best to stop radon entering a house in the first place. The
second option is to try to remove it if it gets in. The aim is to
reduce indoor radon levels to below 200 Bq/m3.
The 4 main options are:
A. Install a radon
sump.
B. Improve ventilation under
suspended floorboards.
C. Use positive ventilation in
the house.
D. Seal cracks and gaps in
solid concrete floors.
Costs vary and different options are available to different
properties.