Radiation

The Council is a member of the Norfolk Local Authorities Radiation Monitoring Group which includes all the Norfolk District Council's and Norfolk County Council.

Set up in the aftermath of the Chernobyl accident, the group continues to routinely monitor background levels of radiation across Norfolk. Subject to tight quality control procedures audited by the Local Authorities Radiation Network, the Council's results are used by the Government to monitor the national picture.

Fortunately, levels in East Anglia are some of the lowest in the country. However, there are a number of potential sources close to the Borough. Sizewell Power Station is some 40 kilometres to the south and there are nuclear weapons held on military bases in the region.

The Borough is not a recognised radon gas area.

The Norfolk Group has produced reports on background levels of radiation and a copy of the most recent can be obtained by contacting Environmental Health.

Nationally, the Government Agency with specific responsibility for radiological protection is The Health Protection Agency (see useful links).

Mobile Phones and Power Lines
There is considerable public concern about radiation emissions from mobile phones, their base stations and overhead power lines.

This is termed non-ionising radiation.

Currently, there is no proven risk to health from the non ionising radiation emitted from mobile phone masts and base stations or overhead power lines. However, there are well publicised health concerns over the prolonged use of the mobile handset and effects on the human brain.

The Health Protection Agency have assessed emissions from all the base stations in the country. If you have concerns, you may wish to seek advice from them direct.

Alternatively you may wish to discuss matters with officers of Environmental Health by phone, email or by using the online contact form above.