Radon is a radioactive gas that is formed by the radioactive decay of small amounts of uranium which naturally occur in all rocks and soils. It is colourless, odourless and reported as the biggest source of radiation exposure to the UK population in homes and workplaces.
Often in a property transaction, property search results will indicate that a property is in a radon affected area. This does not mean that there is a radon problem at the specific property being dealt with in the transaction, but that a radon measurement test may be necessary to discover whether remedial measures should be installed (if they have not been already).
On 29 June 2018, Public Health England published a consultation on a draft UK radon strategy and action plan. The draft strategy and action plan seeks to address the health risks associated with radon exposure.
The proposed action plan sets out a national radon strategy and arrangements for managing the exposure to radon in homes and workplaces. It also proposes a framework for controlling and mitigating radon as well as arrangements for communicating information on radon between the government and private industry to members of the public and local authorities.
The consultation is open for feedback until 27 July 2018 and can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/uk-national-radon-action-plan.