Radon Gas naturally occurs in the ground, but high levels of exposure to this gas can increase the risk of cancer.

Public health officials say every building contains radon and levels are usually low, but there are hotspots across the country, caused by the type of ground buildings were constructed on.

An interactive map, provided by the UK Health Security Agency, can tell you whether you live in, or near, an area affected by high levels of radon gas.

The darker the colour, the greater the chance of a higher level of gas. The risk is less than one home in a hundred in the white areas and greater than one in three in the darkest areas.

The map shows that, in North Somerset, the level of radon gas is high.

What is radon gas?

Radon is formed by the radioactive decay of the small amounts of uranium found naturally in all rocks and soils. This means it is everywhere.

The radiation emitted can increase the risk of cancer

Is radon gas dangerous and am I at risk?

According to UKradon, radon produces a radioactive dust in the air that we breathe.

The dust traps in our airways and emits radiation that damages the inside of our lungs. This damage, like the damage caused by smoking, increases our risk of lung cancer.

The higher the radon and the longer the exposure, the greater the risk.

To reduce risk, UKradon suggests you find out if you live in a radon-risk area and if you do, measure your home. If the radon is high, reduce it and if you smoke, give up.

Where in East Devon has high levels?

Areas such as around Honiton in the Blackdown Hills seem to have the highest radon gas reading. as much as 10-30%. 

Other areas with 10 to 30 per cent radiation are Axminster and along the Jurassic Coast in Beer and Lyme Regis.

Areas with 5-10 per cent radon gas readings is Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton.

Areas with no radon gas reading at all is Exmouth.