Case Study: Assessment of Radon Gas Exposure in a Commercial Property

Objective

 
The objective of this assessment was to ensure a clean, safe, and healthful environment for the occupants of a commercial property, in compliance with Health and Safety legislation. Prolonged exposure to radon, a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas, presents significant health risks. Radon is a naturally occurring byproduct of uranium decay in soil and rock and can seep into buildings through cracks and openings. The decay products of radon gas, when inhaled, can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer over time. Thus, maintaining clean air free from radon within commercial premises is crucial to mitigate this risk.
 

Legislation Overview

 
The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17) forms the backbone of radon exposure regulation. These regulations, which came into force on January 1, 2018, replacing the Ionising Radiations 1999, impose several responsibilities on employers. The IRR17 requires commercial property owners to maintain radon gas levels below 300 Bq/m3, as measured on an annual average basis.
 
The legislation obliges employers to adhere to several basic duties:
 
1. **Risk Assessment:** Employers must conduct a risk assessment to evaluate the levels of radon exposure in their premises. This includes measuring the radon concentration in the property and determining if the levels exceed the action level set by the regulation.
 
2. **Action Plan:** In the event that radon levels exceed the action level, employers are required to take immediate action. This includes developing a remediation plan that describes the steps they will take to reduce radon levels and prevent future exceedances.
 
3. **Preventive Measures:** Employers must implement preventive measures to ensure that radon levels remain within safe limits. This can involve changes to the ventilation system, sealing of cracks in the building's foundation or sub-slab depressurisation systems, amongst other engineering solutions.
 
4. **Regular Monitoring:** Employers are also responsible for conducting regular monitoring of radon levels in the property. Regular monitoring ensures that the preventive measures taken are effective and that radon levels remain within safe limits.
 
5. **Employee Communication:** Employers must communicate the risks associated with radon exposure to employees and inform them of the measures being taken to ensure their safety.
 
The enforcement of these regulations is the responsibility of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Local Authorities.
 
Through adherence to these regulations, employers can ensure that they provide a safe and healthy environment for their employees and reduce the risk of radon-induced health complications, including lung cancer.
 

Methodology

 
The environmental consultancy utilized PADC passive radon detectors for measuring radon levels over a period of 28 days to 3 months. The firm interpreted the results based on a scheme, recommending a re-test for radon concentrations around or above the action level (300 Bq/m3).
 

Findings

 
Most of the locations within the commercial property had radon concentrations well below the action level. However, two monitors went missing, and the radon level at one specific room was recorded to be close to the action level.
 

Conclusion

 
Upon completion of the radon assessment in the commercial property, the environmental consultancy concluded that the majority of the spaces within the property had radon concentrations well below the IRR17 action level of 300 Bq/m3 (measured as an annual average). This suggests that the current measures employed to prevent radon intrusion are largely effective. The premise is, for the most part, safe for occupancy, posing a minimal risk of radon-induced health complications to the workers.
 
However, two instances required further attention: the monitors in two areas were found missing, and one room recorded a radon level close to the action level. The absence of the monitors precludes the ability to determine radon concentration in those two areas, representing a potential risk. For the room that returned radon levels close to the action level, the increased concentration implies that radon is entering the room at a higher rate than other areas in the property. This might be due to foundational differences, ventilation issues, or other site-specific factors.
 
While the readings were just below the action level, radon concentrations can fluctuate due to a variety of factors, such as seasonal changes and alterations in ventilation or air pressure. This uncertainty, combined with the fact that even levels below the action level can present long-term health risks if exposure is sustained, prompts the need for further testing.
 
Thus, the environmental consultancy recommended a re-test in the specific room with the elevated radon level. The aim is to get a more accurate understanding of the average radon levels over a longer time period and to evaluate whether any mitigation measures are required. Furthermore, the missing monitors need to be replaced, and an investigation might be necessary to understand the cause of their disappearance.
 
Overall, the findings and the recommended next steps reflect a proactive approach to managing radon risk. They underpin the commitment to maintaining a safe work environment and adhering to the regulations set out by the IRR17.
 

Impact

 
The study highlighted the importance of regular radon assessments to ensure that commercial properties adhere to safety standards. The property owner, upon receiving this report, became aware of the potential for higher radon levels in one of the rooms. They also learned the importance of device security, considering the missing radon monitors.
 

Health Risks Associated with Radon Exposure

 
Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can get trapped in the lungs when inhaled. Over time, these particles can cause damage to lung tissues and potentially lead to lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer increases with the level of radon and the length of exposure. In fact, radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Therefore, controlling and maintaining low levels of radon in commercial properties is vital for health safety.
 

Next Steps

 
As per the environmental consultancy's recommendation, the property owner will re-test the radon levels in the specified room to confirm the initial findings and implement any necessary remedial measures to maintain a safe working environment.This case study emphasizes the necessity of regular safety checks, specifically for radon levels in commercial properties. These checks help identify potential health and safety risks and are instrumental in maintaining a safe and healthy working environment.