Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive gas. It’s formed by the radioactive decay of the small amounts of uranium that occur naturally in all rocks and soils. Radon is everywhere, but largely the radon levels are low and the risk to health is small. The chances of a higher level depend on the type of ground.
See a map of radon levels in the UK on the UKradon website
Risk to health
Radon can increase in concentration within buildings or enclosed spaces. The darker the colour on the radon maps, the greater the chance of a high radon level in a building. However not all buildings, even in the darkest areas, have high levels.
The amount of radon is measured in becquerels per cubic metre of air (Bq m-3). The average level in UK homes is 20 Bq m-3. For levels below 100 Bq m-3, your individual risk remains relatively low and not a cause for concern.
Find out more about the risks to your health from radon on the UKradon website
Radon surveys and measurements
Higher radon levels give higher exposures so it's important to find out the levels in your home and in your school or workplace. Radon surveys should be conducted in any building or basement where its location and characteristics suggest that elevated levels may be found and significant exposure to people is possible.
You can carry out an inexpensive survey by leaving small plastic passive detectors in rooms of interest.
Find out more about how to use radon detectors on the UKradon website
For £3.90 including VAT you can request a radon report which will tell you if a particular address is over the action limit for radon. It does not have to be the address where you live, for example it could be where you work or a property you’re thinking of buying.
Request a radon report for an address on the UKradon website
You can find out the yearly average radon level for a property with a home measurement pack. You can order one for £52.80 inc VAT on the UKradon website.
Further advice
Radiation Protection Adviser Services
UK Health Security Agency
British Geological Survey
Building control