Visqueen pledges support for UK Radon Awareness Week

Visqueen is pledging its ongoing commitment to raising awareness of the dangers of radon as part of this year’s UK Radon Awareness Week (4-10 November 2019).

Run by the UK Radon Association, in partnership with Public Health England (PHE), UK Radon Awareness Week aims to help improve understanding of the deadly gas and reduce the risk of exposure in UK homes and workplaces.

A member of the UK Radon Association, Visqueen has expert knowledge of the issues caused by radon and provides pre and post build solutions to help mitigate the threat. In addition, Visqueen provides an extensive training programme to ensure architects, specifiers and contractors are fully up to speed on national standards, correct specification and products available when it comes to radon protection systems.

Nik Ullfors, National Technical Manager for Visqueen, commented: “Despite being the second leading cause of lung cancer in the UK after tobacco smoking, the radioactive gas radon remains largely unknown. These numbers are very concerning and highlight the fact that we need to do more to raise awareness of the dangers of radon.

“The construction industry takes the issue of radon very seriously as it aims to build the safest homes and work places possible. At Visqueen, we wholeheartedly support this as we constantly strive to provide the best training and solutions to architects, specifiers and contractors to ensure radon is factored in to every building design and the necessary protection systems are installed.

“I would urge all homeowners, landlords and employers to purchase a radon test kit, which are inexpensive, easy to use and can be ordered online, to make sure they aren’t at risk from radon. If elevated radon levels are found, contact a radon remediation specialist to design and install a mitigation system.”

Key facts:

• Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the UK, after tobacco smoking
• Radon is the single biggest source of radiation exposure to the UK population in homes and workplaces
• Some radon is present in all homes, but the only way to find out if you are at risk is to carry out a test

To check radon-affected areas of the UK, visit the interactive radon map here https://www.ukradon.org/information/ukmaps.