Gas hazard is removed

Work to remove the hazard of radon gas has been carried out at Blue Coat School, with Holy Cross and Werneth Primary next in line.

The news follows the Health Protection Agency’s findings in April, which said radon levels in limited areas of the schools needed to be reduced. Radon is a naturally-occurring gas which can increase the risk of cancer.

Health chiefs said the presence of radon was only slightly above acceptable levels and the risks were very low.

The work will cost £42,000 and involve fitting fans and vents in classrooms.

Radon is present in all buildings and is breathed in by everyone during their lives. It only becomes a potential problem where air is allowed to stand, as in basements and cellars.