Householders urged to act over radon levels

Over 330 homes in the county, almost 20 per cent of those tested for radon levels last year, were over the action level – the point at which Health Protection Agency (HPA) recommends that householders take action to deal with the problem.

The results show that 13 of the properties had radon levels ten times higher than the action level.

According to the HPA’s Neil McColl: “These findings are no surprise. Orkney has long been known to be widely affected by radon. What the results do show us once again is that if you are in a radon affected area, like much of Orkney, you should get your home tested – if you haven’t already done so.

HPA experts will be among those at drop-in events next week for anyone wanting more information, and invites have already gone to all those who tested and have a high level.

The events will be held in the Pickaquoy Centre, Kirkwall, from 3-8pm on Monday, January 23 and from 10am-8pm on Tuesday, January 24. On Wednesday, January 25, the team will hold a session in the Sandwick Hall between 10am-8pm, returning to the Pickaquoy Centre on January 26 from 10am-3pm.