Council to test its buildings

COUNCIL buildings throughout Argyll and Bute are being tested for a naturally occurring gas - radon.

While the gas is often present in the open air, sufficiently high levels would cause concern to the local authority.

A spokeswoman for Argyll and Bute council said: ‘ Work to keep council premises safe for use will extend this week to include measuring levels of radon in the air.

‘Radon is a naturally occurring gas often present in the open air, buildings and homes at concentration levels that have no impact for people or air quality. If levels are sufficiently high, action can be taken to reduce radon concentrations.

‘Monitoring for radon levels happens in buildings across the country. On the rare occasions that action is required, this will typically involve minor works to improve building ventilation.

‘The council is putting detectors in buildings that have a range of different uses, from offices to schools and other premises.

‘These detectors will record radon levels over a period of three months, to see if action should be taken to improve air quality.’

The spokeswoman added: ‘Testing is unobtrusive and will not disrupt teaching or business.

‘Radon levels are affected by different elements such as weather or the type of rock in the earth. No action is required by anyone using the premises being monitored.’