Survey of radon gas in homes set to be carried out

The invitations will be sent to households across the island

Two thousands households on the Isle of Man are set to be asked to take part in a survey to measure a naturally occurring radioactive gas.

Radon is found in all buildings and the amount present depends on variables including the land the home was built on and construction materials and methods.

The government has a legal obligation to limit exposure to any form of radiation following updated health and safety legislation.

A similar survey carried out in the island's schools last year found above-average levels of the gas in six establishments, however specialists said it represented a "very low exposure risk".

'Protect'

The project will be carried out by the UK Health Security Agency, which also carried out the previous testing in island schools.

Tracy Gooding of the agency said the "straight forward" tests would show residents whether they should "take action to protect you and your family".

The process involves placing two coaster-sized detectors in a home for three months.

A government spokesman said if analysis showed a high reading, advice would be offered on reducing the levels of the gas in the home.

The information gathered would also be used to create a "radon map", similar to those available in the UK.

Environment Food and Agriculture Minister Clare Barber said the tests would help to "develop a clear overview", and once the map had been developed the government could "look to address the findings".

Invitations to take part in the survey are set to be sent out to randomly selected households next week.