Hundreds of City of Lincoln Council tenants have already taken part in an important home testing programme that is helping ensure council properties remain safe and healthy places to live.
Since the programme began in September 2024, more than 400 radon testing kits have been issued to council homes in areas identified as having higher-than-average naturally occurring radon levels, following updated national mapping by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Testing is simple, non-invasive, and involves placing small radon detectors within the property for a 90-day monitoring period to provide an accurate average radon reading.
Of the 148 successfully completed tests returned and assessed so far, those homes found to have elevated radon levels have received simple remedial measures to reduce concentrations.
Remediation measures may include the installation of a radon sump, which is fitted below floor level to collect naturally occurring radon gas. An electric fan then safely vents the gas outside, helping to keep the air inside your home safe. Other measures may include extraction fans or ventilation improvements, depending on the assessment outcome.
The first phase of the remedial programme commenced in August 2025, during which 32 radon sumps were installed. Phase two began in May 2026 with an additional 28 radon sumps installed, and the next phase is expected to begin in September 2026 with a requirement of 26 installations.
The first phase of the remedial programme commenced in August 2025 with 46 out of 65 tests were returned, of which 37 had remediation works completed in their property. Phase two began in May 2026 with 102 tests returned out of 168; 27 of these properties have had remediations works completed thus far, and the next phase is expected to begin in September with a requirement of 26 properties to undergo remediation works.
The results have been encouraging, with all properties that have completed a follow-up 90-day monitoring period after the radon reduction systems were installed now recording radon levels within recommended safe limits.
All installed radon systems are included within an annual servicing programme from the council. As part of this service, new 90-day radon detectors are installed periodically in homes that may be affected, to provide ongoing monitoring and ensure radon levels remain within the recommended safe limits, reassuring tenants they are not at any health risk.
The council is now encouraging any tenants who have been contacted about the programme to complete their testing or to allow access for any necessary improvement works, helping to ensure homes remain safe for the future.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from rocks and soil. It is colourless, odourless and tasteless, and low levels are present in all homes. In most areas, radon levels are low, and the health risk is small.
Testing is carried out as a precautionary measure in line with national guidance, and homes remain safe to live in throughout the testing process.
Where higher levels are identified, the council arranges and funds any necessary work. Improvements typically involve installing a radon sump and extraction fan or making ventilation improvements, with all work followed by further testing to confirm radon levels have been successfully reduced.
Councillor Donald Nannestad, Portfolio Holder for Quality Housing at City of Lincoln Council, said:
"The success of this programme so far is very reassuring. Where elevated radon levels have been identified, we've installed straightforward solutions that have successfully reduced levels to within recommended safe limits.
"We'd like to thank everyone who has already taken part. By completing the testing and allowing access for any follow-up work, tenants are helping us protect the long-term health of residents and ensure our homes continue to meet high safety standards.
"If you've received a testing kit or been contacted about remedial works, please do take part. The process is simple, there's very little disruption, and it gives both you and the council the confidence that your home remains safe."
Mr Williamson, a City of Lincoln Council tenant, said:
“The communication was good throughout and I felt I was given a good understanding of Radon and what was to happen. The workmen were very professional and tidy, and I was very happy with the process.”
The council continues to work closely with UKHSA to test council-owned properties in identified areas, prioritise any homes requiring remedial work and provide ongoing monitoring where systems have been installed.
While the council is responsible for testing and managing radon levels in its own housing stock, homeowners concerned about radon levels in their own property can also arrange independent testing by ordering a radon test kit through the UK Radon service.
More information about radon, including radon maps, testing and reducing radon levels, is available through the UK Radon website.