Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive gas. It’s formed by the radioactive decay of small amounts of uranium that occur naturally in all rocks and soils.
The main danger from high radon exposure is the increased risk of lung cancer. For most people, radon is the single largest source of radiation exposure whether they are at home or at work.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is the UK’s primary expert on radon and radiation protection. UKHSA provides resources and advice about radon for the public, including individual householders, industry, education and research.
The UKradon website has more information about radon, including:
The UKHSA blog includes information on radon.
Radon affected areas are those with 1 per cent or more of houses above the UK action level for radon (200 Bq m3). There is a map of radon-affected areas on the Health Protection Agency website.
For a small fee UKradon.org will provide you with a report to help you identify if your property is in a radon affected area.
If it is, we recommend that the radon concentration should be measured using a radon detector. You can order a home measurement pack on the UKradon website.
All occupied basements and those used for more than 50 hours per year, should be monitored regardless of radon potential.