Introduction to Radon Awareness in the Built Environment

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate within buildings and presents a significant risk to human health. It is recognised as one of the leading causes of lung cancer after smoking and is a key environmental hazard within the built environment.

The ‘Introduction to Radon Awareness in the Built Environment’ Technical Information Sheet (TIS), published by The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) in 2026, provides an introduction to radon awareness, outlining its origin, characteristics, and the health risks associated with exposure. It examines how radon enters buildings, the factors influencing indoor concentrations, and the importance of understanding radon-prone areas.

It also highlights the role of construction professionals in managing radon risk through appropriate design, construction, and operational practices. It introduces key principles of measurement, mitigation, and regulatory considerations, supporting a coordinated and informed approach across a building’s lifecycle.

By improving awareness and promoting best practice, it aims to support the construction industry in reducing radon-related risks and protecting building occupants.

Its contents are:

• Introduction
• What is Radon Gas?
• Health Risks Associated with Radon Exposure
• Radon in Buildings
• Radon Risk Areas
• Radon Measurement and Testing
• Radon Mitigation and Control Measures
• Design and Construction Considerations
• Legal, Regulatory and Guidance Framework
• Operation, Maintenance and Monitoring
• Common Challenges and Good Practice
• Summary

It was written by Yvonne Power, Managing Director of Radon Services Ireland Ltd (RSI), specialising in radon testing, assessment and remediation across residential and commercial buildings in Ireland.

Introduction to Radon Awareness in the Built Environment is available here.

You can see more CIOB Technical Information Sheets here.

--CIOB

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