The importance of containing dangerous gases

Deadly radon claims thousands of lives every year. Installing gas barrier membranes can help protect homes and save lives

The government has produced an interactive map so that homeowners and developers can check if properties are in a high radon concentration area. Between 500,000 and 600,000 homes in the UK are currently designated at risk of radon exposure.

Currently, only new homes built in high radon areas are required to have sealed membranes to prevent radon leaching into the home. However, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has proposed a radical nationwide policy to install sealed membranes in all new homes, regardless of where they're built. This is because lung cancers due to radon occur even in areas with low recorded levels. Risks are calculated based on a lifetime in a home rather than levels of exposure. The HPA believes its proposal to install membranes, which costs around £100 per home, would save around 1,000 lives over 20 years.  

How gas barrier membranes help

Installing a gas barrier membrane at the ground level of a property blocks dangerous ground gases, including radon, carbon dioxide and methane, all of which could otherwise seep from the soil into the interior of the building.

Manufactured using highly durable materials, gas barrier membranes are installed in much the same way as damp-proof membranes, but tend to be fitted by workers who have the skill and experience to deliver complex projects of this nature.

"People are far more aware of radon gas exposure and its impact on health these days," said Wendi O'Toole, from UK water management specialist Scott Parnell. 

"It's essential to provide a solution to developers and builders that delivers the most effective protection against radon and other ground gases. We use a gas barrier with multi-layered, low density polyethylene membrane, reinforced with a polypropylene-reinforcing grid and with an integral aluminium foil.

"The membrane is specifically designed and manufactured to provide the highest-quality protection system against radon, methane, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, hydrocarbon vapours, air and moisture.

"We offer a supply and installation service. Additionally, we can source an independent validator should this be required as part of a gas barrier project."

Home testing

Homeowners can find out whether their home is likely to be above the action level for radon – set at 200 becquerels per cubic metre. An address search costs £3.90, while a test to establish the extent of the risk is also available from Public Health England. Its measurement pack costs £50.40 and includes two detectors, which must be placed in the home for three months before being sent for assessment.

Scott Parnell specialises in the supply of groundworks and civil engineering products and services to customers across the UK. Independently owned and run, the company has five offices across the south of England and Wales with a team of highly experienced staff offering expert advice to customers. Scott Parnell prides itself on its innovative and pioneering approach to delivering high quality products from a variety of manufacturers – not just market leaders.

To speak to one of our specialists in Scott Parnell Water Management, please call 01908 310 453 or find out more by visiting www.scottparnellwm.com.