§ "With permission, Mr. Speaker, I wish to make a Statement about measures to deal with the problems of naturally occurring radon gas in houses in some areas of the country.
§ "Radon-222 is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas which comes out of the ground, particularly in and around areas of igneous rock such as granite. In the open air it is dispersed, but concentrations can build up in buildings. The gas decays into minute solid particles which if breathed in can be deposited on the surface of the lungs. It has been known for a long time that occupational exposure to radon in 1255 uranium mines is associated with an increased incidence of lung cancer. The potential problem of radon in houses was recognised in the 1970s, following research in Sweden. The issue was highlighted in the United Kingdom and the 10th Report of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution in 1984. In our response to that report we stated that we would consider the need to take action once we received advice from the National Radiological Protection Board based on work it already had in hand.
§ The NRPB has now completed its work on the identification of areas of higher than average radon. The board has also considered the dose levels above which remedial action should be taken and has submitted its findings and recommendations. I have arranged for copies of its advice, along with copies of the advice which the Government have received from the Committee on the Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE), to be placed in the Library of the House.
§ "Both the NRPB and COMARE have advised that the available evidence strongly suggests that exposure to radon gas increases the risk of lung cancer. The risk increases the higher the level of radon and the longer the exposure continues. They therefore recommend that action should be taken to reduce the doses in existing dwellings with the greatest concentrations and to limit exposure in dwellings to be built in the future.
§ "The NRPB and COMARE have made recommendations which we accept about the levels of radon above which precautionary action is advisable. The figures are 20 mSv per annum as an action level in existing houses with 5 mSv per annum as the design level for new houses. These levels will be kept under review in the light of any further evidence that emerges about the effects of radon on health.
§ "The Government intend to tackle the problem of identifying houses where such action is needed in three ways. First, the NRPB estimates that there are some 20,000 existing houses with radon concentrations high enough to give rise to doses of 20 mSv or more and that remedial action should be taken on these in due course. Most are likely to be located in Devon and Cornwall. To identify the houses with the highest levels the Government are funding a substantial survey by the NRPB. This survey will take about two years, as measurements are needed over a relatively long period to obtain an accurate estimate of radon concentrations. Secondly, so that people who live where radon concentrations might be above or near the action level can find out the radon concentration in their houses even if they are not within the scope of the NRPB survey, the NRPB will be arranging a measurement service at no cost to those concerned. Thirdly, in the remainder of the country we judge there is no need for special action and measurements will only be made at the expense of those who demand them. My department is producing a leaflet which will be made widely available in areas likely to have high radon concentrations. This will give full details of this service and other relevant advice to householders.
1256§ "I want to stress that the risks from radon are assessed in terms of lifetime exposure. There is therefore no need for drastic immediate measures to reduce levels. It is a matter of record that in Devon and Cornwall, where radon levels tend to be higher than average, the death rate from lung cancer is lower than in many other parts of the country. The first step is to obtain an accurate measurement of the situation so that the need for any remedial measures can be properly assessed. This may take up to a year per house.
§ "The responsibilty for remedial measures in houses must rest with the house owner or the landlord in the case of both public and private rented accommodation. The Government are prepared to consider offering financial assistance towards the costs of remedial work to the most needy owner occupiers.
§ "Research work has already been undertaken both in this country and elsewhere on the type of remedial measures that may be appropriate, but the movement of radon gas into and within buildings is complex. Considerable further work is required. The Government intend to fund a two-year research programme on remedial and preventive measures to be undertaken by the Building Research Establishment. During the course of this programme BRE will produce guidance notes, and these will be added to as we learn more.
§ "For the future; we shall make changes to the building regulations aimed at preventing the problem occurring in new houses. We propose to provide guidance on practical measures which builders in particular areas may need to take.
§ "We shall remain in close touch with work done abroad on this problem. Meanwhile the measures I have outlined demonstrate that we are taking the necessary steps to identify the extent of the problem and to ensure that people in affected areas know what to do about it."