TUC Guide to Ionising Radiation

As reported in this weeks 'Risks', the TUC has produced a guide for USRs on the risks involved with Radon gas.

Although it does not get the same level of attention as other risks, radon gas is probably one of the biggest killers of workers within those areas where there is high exposure. It can be a major cause of lung cancer if allowed to build up in workplaces. The Health Protection Board estimates that radon causes 2,000 to 3,000 lung cancer deaths a year of which between 90 and 280 are likely to be due to workplace exposure. Like most workplace fatalities, death as a result of radon exposure is easily prevented.

Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs in some parts of the UK. It is produced when uranium in rocks such as granite decays. Where there is a likelihood of risk the employer has a legal responsibility to monitor radon within all buildings. These areas are mainly parts of Devon and Cornwall, but high concentrations are also found in Somerset, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire, pockets of Wales and Northern Ireland and North East Scotland. However not every part of these areas are affected. Although radon gas is most common in areas where granite occurs, other parts of the country can also have high levels. In total an estimated 16,000 workplaces have Radon levels above the permitted maximum.

TUC Radon Gas Guide

Further info:

HS Legislation
listings for details of the law regarding Radon gas.

Health Protection Agency

 
 
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