IT'S colourless, odourless and tasteless but high levels of this gas can increase the risk of cancer – and it occurs naturally in the land.

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 North Somerset is impacted by radon gas?

 

Areas such as Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon, and Cheddar appear to be impacted by radon gas, with a 10 - 30 per cent potential.

Portishead, meanwhile, has a 5 - 10 per cent radon potential.

Lower down in central Somerset, such as Bishops Lydeard, these levels appear slightly lower.

How to check radon in your area

 

Visit the UK Health Security Agency website to see the radon levels in your area.