Cost-effectiveness and Health Benefits of Domestic Radon Remediation Programmes - An Update

Abstract. The cost of remedial work and the radon level reduction achieved in a series of domestic properties in Northamptonshire have been the subject of study by our group for some years, as Northamptonshire was declared as a Radon Affected Area in 1992. Previous analysis, which relied on estimations of the total number of affected houses extrapolated from National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) test data, suggested that a testing and remediation programme in Northamptonshire could be justified. The NRPB has continued to initiate and collate radon testing, and published further results in 2003. These results include predictions of the total affected houses, which are lower than those previously assumed. Recently, the ECRS computer software programme has permitted calculation of individual risk, rather than a population average. These predictions have profound effects on our previous analysis particularly since only limited numbers of householders test their homes, and even fewer remediate if they discover raised levels.