RSOE Emergency and Disaster Information Service

2010-03-12 18:37:39 - HAZMAT - United Kingdom

EDIS CODE: HZ-20100312-25298-GBR
Date & Time: 2010-03-12 18:37:39 [UTC]
Area: United Kingdom, Scotland, , Moray

Event exciting : Radon gas discovered
Damage level: Low (Level 1)

Not confirmed information!

Description:

Moray's [Scotland, UK] smallest primary school is to be closed temporarily after high levels of a radioactive gas were discovered. Pupils and staff at Cabrach Primary will be transferred to Mortlach Primary in Dufftown after the Easter break to allow for remediation work to be carried out. Higher than average levels of radon gas were reported to Moray Council last Friday, following a geological mapping exercise by the Health Protection Agency. Other schools in the Speyside area were also tested but their results revealed normal levels of the gas. Cabrach was the only one to record unacceptable readings. Radon levels varied from one part of the school to another with the lowest readings recorded in the classroom areas. 'The Northern Scot' was unable to contact Helena Sierakowska, chairman of Cabrach Community Association, for a response. Radon occurs naturally in rocks and soil. Higher than average levels can be detected in certain areas depending on geological conditions. Exposure to particularly high levels of radon can increase the risk of lung cancer. Work to rectify the problem is expected to take a number of weeks and is likely to include the installation of an underground sump from which the gas can be safely vented into the atmosphere. A council spokesman said it was too early to say how much the work would cost, and discussions were being held with experts to assess what exactly needs to be done. "We are working closely with the Health Protection Agency and the Health and Safety Executive with a view to carrying out remediation work and we will be taking their advice on how that is best achieved," he added. "The council is not prepared to leave the health and safety of its staff and pupils to chance, and the position was discussed with parents and staff as soon as the data from the radon tests was analysed." Cabrach Primary was saved from closure in 2008 through the SNP Government commitment not to mothball rural schools. It costs the council around £100,000 to keep the primary open. Householders in the Cabrach area are being directed to the protection agency's website at www.hpa.org.uk for more information on the gas. The agency produces a radon information pack which also describes how householders can obtain a measurement on their properties.

Posted:2010-03-12 18:37:39 [UTC]