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Radiation
What District Councils are doing?
All District Councils in Northern Ireland are members of a nation-wide monitoring network known as LARRMACC (Local Authority Radiation and Radioactivity Monitoring Advice and Collation Centre). The aim is to provide quality assured independent information on radiation matters at a local level. As part of this a comprehensive monitoring and sampling programme for radiation has been set up.
Monitoring Programme
Background levels of gamma radioactivity from the ground have been measured throughout Northern Ireland on a 10km grid basis using radiation meters. The background levels enable changes to be detected more easily in the event of any future radiation incidents.
Radiation monitors have also been installed at five locations throughout Northern Ireland by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. These monitors are designed to continuously check levels of radiation and trigger an alarm if unusually high levels are detected. The Eastern Group (of which Castlereagh is a part of) monitor is installed at Portavogie.
In the event of any radiation incident affecting the United Kingdom, action will be taken by the Government under a National Response Plan.
Sampling Programme
A sampling programme of foodstuffs and environmental materials has been ongoing since 1984. These samples have been routinely submitted for radioactivity and although they show some contamination are well within accepted guidelines issued by the National Radiological Protection Board and are much less than radiation levels from natural sources such as radon.
RADON
What is Radon?
Radon is a natural radioactive gas which has no taste, smell or colour. Special equipment is needed to detect it. The level of radioactivity in the area due to the presence of radon, is measured in units of "Becquerel per cubic metre"(Bq/m3). The average level found in UK houses is Bq/m3. It comes from the radioactive decay of radium which, in turn, comes from the radioactive decay of uranium.
How can radon affect me?
Radon in the soil and rocks mixes with air and rises to the surface where it is quickly diluted in the atmosphere. In some circumstances, when it enters enclosed spaces such as houses, it can reach high levels of concentration. As the radon decays, it forms minute particles of a radioactive substance which are called Radon daughters which, when inhaled can be deposited in the lungs.
How do I know if my home has high radon levels?
If you live in an area which might be affected by radon and want to have your home tested, write to Radon Survey, National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB), Chilton, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 0RQ. Depending mainly on where you live, NRPB will advise whether your home should be measured. If the advice is that a measurement should be made, it will be FREE. If not, you may still have it done, but you will have to pay.
If measurements are to be made, NRPB will send you two small detectors: one for the living room, one for the bedroom. The detectors contain special plastic to measure radon and are harmless. After three months they should be returned for processing. NRPB will write to tell you the radon levels in your home. In some cases NRPB may suggest measurements for a further three months to get a more accurate estimate of the average radon level in you home. Radon measurements taken over a period shorter than three months can be seriously misleading.
What should I do if my home has a high level of radon?
The recommended action level for radon in existing homes, above which action is recommended to reduce it, is 200 Bq/m3 average radon concentration over a full year. Advice on how to reduce the risk of radon gas entering your home can be obtained from us directly at the Environmental Health Service or Building Control Service of Castlereagh Borough Council.
What can I do to reduce the risk of radon gas entering a new building?
Details of how to reduce the ingress of radon are contained in the Department of the Environment's publication. "The Householders' Guide to Radon" third edition.
(The Becquerel (Bq) is a unit of radioactivity and corresponds to one radioactive disintegration per second).
The south east corner of Northern Ireland has been classified as a Radon Affected Area. Currently householders in the Affected Area are being offered free Radon tests funded by the Environment Service. Stricter controls will also apply to the construction of new dwellings and existing householders may be able to claim grant aid from the N.I. Housing Executive for remedial radon works.
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