Radon Gas in Devon and Cornwall The Facts Every Homebuyer Should Know
If you are looking at property in Devon or Cornwall the term radon gas will almost certainly pop up especially if your reports or solicitor come from outside the area. But let us be honest. For local buyers like us it is no big deal. It is a natural part of our landscape and with the right knowledge it is nothing to worry about.
Dartmoor Prison and Its Radon Story
Dartmoor Prison which has been standing since 1809 and built of dense granite was only recently closed because radon readings surpassed safe levels. Staff and inmates were evacuated around July 2024 and the prison remains shut pending a long term solution. This closure is a dramatic example but also a reminder that radon is not new here and can be managed. It has been silently present for centuries.
What Is Radon Gas and Why Is It High Here
Radon is a radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of naturally occurring uranium in soil and rock. In Devon and Cornwall granite geology lets radon escape more easily which means higher levels in our homes and offices. National statistics show that across the UK radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and the biggest environmental source of radiation exposure. It makes up around 55 percent of our annual background dose.In Cornwall at least 1 percent of homes exceed the government action level of 200 Bq per cubic metre. In seriously affected areas like Truro the figure is near 29 percent and in Plymouth it is around 14 percent.
What Does That Mean in Plain English
- 200 Bq per cubic metre is the threshold at which the UK government recommends taking action also known as the action level
- The target level for better safety is 100 Bq per cubic metre which is particularly important if you smoke or live with someone who does
- The average indoor radon level in many homes is about 100 Bq per cubic metre while outdoors it is only around 10 to 20 Bq per cubic metre
So while elevated radon does increase lung cancer risk especially when combined with smoking the levels found in most of our region can be reduced easily. And most homes do not register levels that are genuinely dangerous.
How Can You Fix High Radon Levels
The good news is that reducing radon is surprisingly straightforward and affordable.
- Improved ventilation such as opening windows or adding airbricks and trickle vents
- Sealing gaps especially around floors and foundations to block radon entry
- Under floor radon sumps powered by a small fan which draw radon from beneath the home and vent it safely outside
- Positive pressure systems which bring in fresh air and keep radon out
These methods are widely used cost effective and often require minimal upkeep. Many homes do not even need to take action.
Why Solicitors Outside the Area Make a Fuss
Out of area solicitors see radon as a potential health hazard. They have to cover themselves as it is their job to flag any possible issue even if it is minor in this context. Local solicitors on the other hand see radon in every deal. They understand what is typical what warrants action and when something is just business as usual.
The Local Knowledge Advantage
The best advice is always use a local solicitor when buying in Devon or Cornwall. They understand area specific issues such as radon gas tin mining and clay works. What might look like a major problem to an out of area lawyer is often just a textbook response here in the South West.
What Radon Can Do and When to Take It Seriously
- At 200 Bq per cubic metre or higher long term exposure slightly increases lung cancer risk especially if you smoke
- At 100 Bq per cubic metre or under the risk is low particularly in non smoking households
- At extreme levels such as abandoned mines radon may reach hundreds of thousands or even millions of Bq per cubic metre which is hazardous if not managed. Thankfully this is not what you find in homes
The Radon Reality
| Topic | Insight |
|---|---|
| What | A naturally occurring gas from our local granite geology |
| Risk threshold | Government guidance suggests action at 200 Bq per cubic metre with a target of under 100 Bq per cubic metre |
| Local stats | In most areas levels are perfectly manageable. Even in places like Truro or Plymouth where more homes are affected, checks and simple fixes are all that is usually needed |
| Health impact | Worth being aware of over the long term but not something that affects everyday life for most households |
| Fixes | Fresh air ventilation, sealing gaps, radon sumps or simple systems that improve airflow if higher levels are found |
| Best advice | Use a local solicitor or estate agent who knows the area. Most will respond with a relaxed “oh yes radon, we see it all the time” and know exactly what steps to take if needed |
| Final word | Locals just get on with the radon reality. Raising it as a concern is valid as a buyer but the truth is it is simply part of living in the South West and nothing to panic about |
Radon gas is not a deal breaker. It is simply part of the character of our region just like Dartmoor ponies cream teas and the occasional patch of mysterious Westcountry mist.
As always thank you for reading and have a fabulous day.
Louis Lopez
Hindhead Property,
*Disclaimer
I am not a radon gas expert and I definitely do not wear a white lab coat. This blog is simply me a local estate agent sharing how radon is usually viewed here in Devon and Cornwall. If you ring up a local solicitor or estate agent and ask about radon gas some will laugh some will sigh and others will dust off the same textbook line they have been copying and pasting for years. While I have done my best to give you a down to earth explanation you should always do your own research and take proper advice if you are concerned.This blog is for general information only and should not be relied upon as professional advice.
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