Labour Research May 2006

Health & Safety Matters

TUC's radon guidance

The “hidden hazard” of radon gas is being addressed in new guidance from the TUC.

Radon is a radioactive gas which occurs naturally in parts of the UK. It can be a major cause of lung cancer if allowed to build up in workplaces — the Health Protection Board estimates that workplace exposure causes between 90 and 280 deaths every year.

The guidance outlines how to measure radon levels and explains how control measures such as ventilation can reduce exposure. It is available at www.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s/tuc-11695-f0.cfm