Radon Gas Risk
Natural radioactive gas hazard
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from uranium in rocks and soil. High levels can increase lung cancer risk. Some areas of the UK have higher radon levels than others.
What This Means
Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive gas that can seep into buildings from the ground. It's the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Practical Advice
- Get a FREE radon test kit from UK Radon or local council
- High radon areas (Southwest England, Peak District, parts of Wales) need testing
- If high levels found: install radon sump or improve ventilation
- Cost to fix: typically £800-£2,500 for radon sump system
- Simple measures can reduce radon by 90%+
- Testing takes 3 months minimum for accurate reading
Key Points
- What it is: Natural radioactive gas from rocks and soil
- Why it matters: Can increase lung cancer risk if high levels indoors
- Cannot see, smell, or taste radon
- More common in granite and limestone areas
- Affects 1 in 20 UK homes above recommended level
- Easy to test - FREE test kits available
- Simple fixes can dramatically reduce levels
- Building regulations require radon barriers in high-risk areas
Additional Information
Radon is more common in Southwest England, Peak District, and parts of Wales and Scotland. Testing is quick, cheap, and recommended in high-risk areas.
Data Source: UK Health Security Agency and Public Health England radon mapping
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