Radon gas

Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive gas. It comes from the radioactive decay of radium, which in turn comes from the radioactive decay of uranium. It can be harmful to humans in large quantities. 

Radon in the soil and rocks mixes with air and rises to the surface where it is quickly diluted in the atmosphere. Concentrations in the open air are very low but radon can gather in higher concentrations in the cracks and gaps in buildings. 

Radon mapping

You can apply to UKradon to find out the estimated radon potential for an address, for a small fee.

You can also find out bands of radon risk in each 1 kilometre grid square of England and Wales – go to radon: indicative atlas in England and Wales – GOV.UK.

Radon affected areas in Newark and Sherwood

Testing has shown that a considerable number of southern and central parts of the district are affected by radon. 

These include parts of:

• Farnsfield
• Edingley
• Kirklington
• Southwell
• Thurgarton
• Bleasby
• Gonalston
• Epperstone
• Lowdham
• Hoveringham
• Caythorpe
• Bulcote
• Gunthorpe
• Alverton
• Kilvington
• Staunton in the Vale
• Cotham
• Hawton
• Balderton
• Barnby in the Willows

There are only a small percentage of homes at or above the government's action level of 200 Bq/m3 in these areas.

New homes and buying property

This small risk is considered insufficient to require that all new houses be built with radon-proofing measures. 

If you are buying a property in a radon-affected area, ask the seller if it has been tested. If it has, they will be able to show you the results. 

The health risk from radon gas

When radon decays it forms tiny radioactive particles, which may be breathed into the lungs, potentially increasing the risk of lung cancer. Smoking and exposure to radon are known to work together to greatly increase this risk. 

Public Health England has advised that the level of 200 Bq/m3 (Bequerels per cubic metre) should be considered the radon action level. 

If the radon level in your home is close to, or above this, you should take measures to reduce it. 

Find out more about radon gas – GOV.UK. 

Contact us

You can also contact us for advice.