► Health and Wellbeing
Radon in cornwall
Health protection agency:
http://www.hpa.org.uk/HPA/Topics/Radiation/UnderstandingRadiation/1158934607718/
Or go to http://www.cornwall.gov.uk and search for “radon”
We all breathe it in throughout our lives - for most UK residents, radon accounts for half of their total annual radiation dosage.
However, geological conditions in certain areas can lead to higher than average levels. Some of the highest radon levels have been found in the southwest, but levels well above average have been found in some other parts of the UK. Exposure to particularly high levels of radon may increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
The HPA has advised that indoor radon above an Action Level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre should be reduced. Most homes in the UK have fairly low radon levels, with an average of about 20 becquerels per cubic metre. The HPA conducts radon surveys for government departments, local councils, other organisations, and private householders.
Small radon detectors can be sent directly to householders by post, and returned at the end of a three month period. Radon causes invisible damage to the plastic inside the detector. This damage can be measured and used to calculate the radon level. The householder is sent the result by letter.
The most effective way to deal with radon is to fit a 'radon sump' to a property to vent the gas into the atmosphere. A sump has a pipe connecting a space under a solid floor to the outside. A small electric fan in the pipe continually sucks the radon from under the house and expels it harmlessly to the atmosphere. Modern sumps are often constructed from outside the house so there is no disruption inside.
Information is also available about radon in the workplace.
hello@tremoughservices.com or contact the fxu office or Glasney Lodge.
Noroviruses:
Noroviruses are part of a group of viruses that are the most common cause of gastroenteritis (upset stomach) in the UK.
Noroviruses are sometimes known as 'small round structured viruses' (SRSV) or 'Norwalk-like viruses'. Noroviruses are also called the 'winter vomiting disease' because people usually get them during the winter months. However, they can occur at any time of the year.
It is estimated that the norovirus affects between 600,000 and one million people in the UK every year. Outbreaks of the illness are common, particularly within contained environments such as hospitals, nursing homes and schools. This is because the norovirus spreads very easily from person to person and it can survive for several days in a contaminated area.
The norovirus can be spread through contact with an infected person, through contact with surfaces or objects that are contaminated with the virus, or by eating contaminated food or water.
There are many types of norovirus, and it is possible for infection to occur several times. This is because after getting the illness immunity to the virus only lasts for 14 weeks. Having recurring bouts of the norovirus may provide some protection from future infection.
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Brought to you by the NHS Knowledge Service
The BBC and The Times, today report a widespread outbreak of the vomiting and diarrhoea illness, norovirus. Doctors estimate that more than 100,000 people a week are currently catching the illness, and 1.1million people reporting symptoms rang the NHS Direct helpline over the 11-day Christmas and New Year period. The Health Protection Agency has confirmed that doctors and hospitals are seeing the highest incidence of the illness since 2002.
Noroviruses are Britain’s most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis, also known as "winter vomiting disease" or "stomach flu". Although not usually dangerous – the vast majority of sufferers recover after one or two days – the very young and the elderly are at risk of complications, such as dehydration, and may need hospital treatment.
It’s estimated that, typically, between 600,000 and 1million people suffer from norovirus every year. That makes the infection – caused by one of a number of closely related viruses – the most common stomach infection in the UK.
Symptoms typically begin between 24 and 48 hours after infection with the virus. Sudden onset of nausea is usually the first sign of infection, followed by vomiting and watery diarrhoea. Some may also experience a mild fever, aching limbs, and headaches. Symptoms typically disappear after a day or two.
Through contact with an infected person, as well as contact with surfaces – such as door handles and tables – that are contaminated with the virus, and consuming contaminated food or liquid. This means that outbreaks are particularly common within contained environments such as hospitals, schools, and offices.
Once you have caught norovirus, you are immune to the illness for around 14 weeks. After this time, it is possible to be reinfected with the virus, and suffer the same symptoms.
It is not possible to guarantee that you will not catch norovirus. But good hygiene will lower your risk: wash your hands frequently, particularly after using the lavatory, and before eating or preparing food. Avoiding raw, unwashed foods during a norovirus outbreak can also lower your risk of infection.
There is no specific treatment for the illness, and you will have to let the illness run its course. Stay at home, and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. That means regular sips of water or fruit juice, even if you are feeling sick. Adults can take rehydration drinks and anti-diarrhoea medicines available from pharmacies. Anti-diarrhoea medicines are not suitable for children.
To avoid infecting other people, wash your hands regularly. Stay at home for 48 hours after the last sign of symptoms, and do not prepare food for others for three days after the last sign of symptoms.
The vast majority of those infected make a full recovery within two days. But particular care must be taken with the very young and older people who catch norovirus, as they are at higher risk of dehydration.
If you’re suffering symptoms of norovirus, you can get advice now from the NHS Direct healthline: 0845 4647.
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Treating dehydration
Generally, to treat dehydration you have to rehydrate the body by drinking plenty of fluids - water, diluted squash, diluted fruit juice and/or semi-skimmed milk.
A sweet drink can be useful for replacing lost sugar, and a salty snack, such as a packet of crisps, can help replace lost salt.
If you find it hard to hold down fluids because you are vomiting or have diarrhoea, try taking smaller amounts more frequently. Give your child small amounts using a spoon or syringe.
If you are dehydrated, you will have lost sugar and salts as well as water. You should therefore drink a rehydration solution that contains all the essential ingredients that you need to re-establish the right balance of body fluids. The solution should contain a mixture of potassium and sodium salts, as well as glucose or starch.
There are several different rehydration products available to buy at pharmacies or via a prescription from your GP, including solutions suitable for infants and children. Ask your GP or pharmacist for advice.
If you are severely dehydrated, you may need to go to hospital. Fluid may be given by a naso-gastric tube (up the nose) or saline drip (into a vein).
Last reviewed: 26/08/2009
Next review due: 26/08/2011
The predominant geology of West Cornwall is granite which results in naturally occurring radon gas.
This is an inert gas, that is odourless, tasteless and not flammable.
In high concentration, with long-term exposure over a period of years this can result in some risk to health.
It is therefore necessary to undertake periodic monitoring in West Cornwall to ensure that appropriate action is taken to disperse this naturally occurring gas and prevent it from becoming concentrated in buildings.
If you live in private rented accommodation, particularly if you live in a very old granite house, ask your landlord if they have had the property tested for Radon.
A letter dated 18 March 2010
was sent out to Glasney Village Residents.
There is nothing to worry about, but
please read it for information relevant to you.
How noroviruses are spread
Norovirus outbreak
Friday January 4 2008
What is norovirus?
What are the symptoms?
How do people catch norovirus?
What can I do to stop myself catching norovirus?
What should I do if I have norovirus?
Need help now?
Rehydration solutions
Severe dehydration
