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What gases andcontaminants are involved?HydrocarbonsHydrocarbons can be highly toxic and arederivative of the petrol chemical industry.Hydrocarbons are prevalent in areas such asdisused petrol stations and post industrial sites,most hydrocarbons are carcinogenic.MethaneAn odourless flammable gas that is explosivewhen released to the atmosphere at levels aslow as 5% and exposed to a source of ignition.Methane is formed wherever there is below-grounddegradation of organic substances e.g. landfillsites, sewage treatment areas, mining localitiesand peat bogs.Carbon dioxideCarbon Dioxide is a colourless gas that in highconcentrations can result in asphyxiation.The gas is formed by the oxidation of carboncompounds such as in landfill sites. When carbondioxide levels reach concentrations of 3%,symptoms of headaches and shortness of breathwill occur, becoming severe at 5%, with loss ofconsciousness at 10%. It’s fatal at 22%.RadonRadon is a naturally occurring radioactive gasthat is odourless and colourless. It is formedwhere uranium and radium are present. Itmigrates into any building that is built overthe source. If it accumulates in a building atunacceptably high concentrations it will increasethe risk of lung cancer.32