‘Invisible Killer’ Warning for Harborough Residents and Workers

Workplaces, schools, care homes and householders in our area are being encouraged to test their properties for an ‘invisible killer’.

Parts of the Harborough District and North Northamptonshire have been identified as some of the country’s Radon Gas ‘hotspots’.

Market Harborough based Radon Protection UK is backing the UK Radon Association‘s appeal for stronger Government action to tackle the hidden health threat – which is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and responsible for over 1,100 deaths every year across the UK.

The naturally occurring radioactive gas is produced by the breakdown of uranium in rocks and soil, which can build up inside premises – particularly in ground-floor and basement spaces.

Director Sarah Clarke says it’s very important to test both homes and businesses for high Radon levels – and then take any action necessary…

She explains that says young people and the elderly are especially vulnerable to the effects of Radon, and testing for the gas isn’t expensive…

However, Sarah’s message is not to panic! “There are Radon hot spots in many areas across Rutland, Northamptonshire and Leicestershire.  Many towns and villages surrounding Market Harborough are also radon risk areas.

“Although according to the UK radon map, Market Harborough town is fairly low risk, some properties in Market Harborough where we have carried out testing had radon levels well above the recommended concentrations.”

Schools are being urged to test for harmful Radon gas on their premises.