Environmental Search - Radon

nomoneytoday

I would pay the £3 and then decide on a course of action

gld73

The Radiological Protection Division of the Health Protection Agency is the body which give the definitive guidance on radon issues. Has your solicitor gone through the steps recommended by the HPA when buying a house in a radon area?:

http://ukradon.org/article.php?key=radonhouse

PJD

Richard_Webster wrote: »

What percentage of properties in the area are reckoned could have a risk?

You get warned if it is between 1% and 3%, but at that level most people wouldn't bother at all.

The environmental search I have just had done has stated this exact figure. So to check that I am understanding this correctly, this warning just means that only 1 - 3% of properties in the area are at risk, - so not necessarily the one that I am buying?

thegirlintheattic

PJD wrote: »

The environmental search I have just had done has stated this exact figure. So to check that I am understanding this correctly, this warning just means that only 1 - 3% of properties in the area are at risk, - so not necessarily the one that I am buying?

Yes, you are correct. There are relatively cheap tests that can be done (check yellow pages or HPA) to see what the radon levels are in the house. The basement/cellar area is usually the main problem. Also check with the vendor if any membranes, sumps or the like have been put in. Radon is not a big health issue really, especially if you take simple precautions such as regularly opening a window and avoiding sleeping or spending a large amount of time in areas below the ground level.