CIRD61420 | Land Remediation Relief: What is "land in a contaminated state"? Natural contaminants: Radon

This section applies to expenditure incurred on or after 1 April 2009

CTA09/S1145 (3) & SI09/2037/REG3

The requirement that contamination must be present as a result of industrial activity does not apply to radon.

Radon is a naturally occurring colourless and odourless gas that is chemically inert. Radon is dangerous because it gives off alpha rays. Alpha rays are particularly damaging if the Radon is inhaled. Although often associated with the West Country, Radon is also found in other parts of the UK, such as Northamptonshire and Aberdeenshire.

In some areas the underlying geology means that the level of radon is high enough to pose a potential risk to health, and remedial action is needed.

HMRC accepts that the test for harm is satisfied where the level of radon exceeds the UK Health Security Agency Action Level (as applying at the time of the work being carried out).

Action Levels for workplaces are 300 becquerals, and 200 becquerals for domestic properties.

Examples of how work on minimising the threat from radon qualifies for Land Remediation Relief can be found in CIRD61425.

For guidance on other gases present in the ground see CIRD61540