Attempts by Highland Council to reduce levels of a potentially dangerous gas at properties throughout the region are achieving some success, although more work is needed at a number of sites.
Monitoring at Glen Urquhart High, Kilchuimen Primary and Academy and the Telford Centre, Fort Augustus, has shown a significant fall in radon measurements.
However, levels are still above the limit in some areas and further work will be required.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas which is present in rocks and soils. It disperses quickly in open air but can accumulate in buildings.
Long-term testing at Ardnamurchan High and Ardnamurchan Hostel has shown levels which are below the limit for action but still above the council’s target.
Initial practical steps will now be taken to reduce the presence of the gas, such as examining and increasing existing ventilation and sealing floor cracks and pipe runs.
The properties are being reviewed as part of Highland Council’s on-going radon remediation programme.
A further 39 buildings have also been tested and three primary schools – Ardgour, Carrbridge and Newtonmore – were found to be above the limit.
A council spokeswoman said: “Where radon levels are found to be above the statutory action level, the council and their specialist radon advisor, working in consultation with Public Health England (PHE), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and each property Responsible Premises Officer (RPO), will examine the results of the testing and the construction detail of the property and will decide on the most appropriate remedial measures to take.
“Based on experience elsewhere, this is likely to involve increasing the ventilation under a suspended floor or sucking out the radon from under a solid floor, using a fan. Other control options such as positive pressure systems or occupancy restrictions may also be considered if appropriate and practical.”