THE INCIDENCE OF HIGH RADON CONCENTRATIONS IN UNITED-KINGDOM DOMESTIC PROPERTIES

The Institution of Environmental Health Officers in the United Kingdom has undertaken two surveys of domestic properties for radon. These surveys have tended to concentrate the distribution of detectors to the more rural areas of the United Kingdom, although including some in the more urbanised areas. The results of the surveys have indicated a far more widespread distribution of radon 'hot spots' than was first indicated by the original survey by the National Radiological Protection Board. The paper will highlight the particular areas where 'hot spots' have been detected in individual properties and also highlight the need for effective remedial work. Statistical analysis of the results has indicated that areas of high radon concentration would appear at first sight to occur where the instance of lung cancer is low. The results of the surveys will help to provide background data in order that such as epidemiological study can be undertaken.