DOMESTIC RADON REDUCTION STRATEGY IN THE UNITED-KINGDOM

The development of the United Kingdom policy for addressing the problem of radon in domestic dwellings is outlined, from its inception in 1987 when an Action Level for radon in houses was set at 400 Bq.m-3 and a programme of research and surveys was announced, to the present. As a result of this, a clear picture of the distribution of high levels of indoor radon in the United Kingdom is emerging. Following analysis of the most recent radiological evidence, the Government has reduced the Action Level to 200 Bq.m-3. Progress on the radon research programme, which includes work on radon distribution and methods for radon reduction in existing buildings and for radon exclusion from new homes, is summarised. The ways in which information has been given to the public, and the roles of the different Government departments and other bodies are described. The initial public response to the Government programme, and the extent to which exposure to radon may have been reduced, are also addressed.