HPA-RPD-037 Programme to Identify Homes with High Radon Levels and to Encourage Radon Remediation in Homes in Flintshire

Synopsis

This report describes a pilot study in Flintshire where HPA worked with the Building Research Establishment and Flintshire Council to identify and remedy homes with high radon levels.  The study is described in detail including the types of approach used in the different phases of the programme.  The success of the programme was due in part to the involvement of Flintshire Council which acted as the public face for the programme.  The programme resulted in a large increase in the uptake of the radon measurements offered with over 46% of those offered accepting compared with some 25% from previous campaigns.  The initial contact letter, developed specifically for this programme with advice from WAG, has been used subsequently as a model to increase the uptake in other areas of the UK where similar campaigns are underway.

The introduction of face to face advice sessions for householders with levels of radon in excess of the Action Level increased the remediation rate during the three years that the programme was active.  The number of householders requesting further tests to check the effectiveness of remediation increased by a factor of three over this period in comparison to the previous three years.  However, the remediation undertaken by these householders was only successful in around 39% of homes; improvements to future programmes to address this are suggested.

Additional information

Last reviewed: 1 September 2008