The incidence of high radon concentration in United Kingdom domestic properties

The Institution of Environmental Health Officers of the United Kingdom has undertaken two surveys of domestic properties for radon. These have concentrated distribution of detectors to the more rural areas of the UK, although including some in more urbanised areas. Results have indicated a far more widespread distribution of radon 'hot spots' than was first indicated by the original survey by the National Radiological Protection Board. The paper, relating to the 1987/88 survey, highlights particular areas where 'hot spots' have been detected in individual properties and also highlights the need for effective remedial work. More detailed epidemiological work will be needed in order to obtain detailed relationship between radon, smoking and lung cancer. Results of the surveys will help to provide background data for such a study to be undertaken. (author)