Radon has no colour, taste or smell. Levels vary from country to country, region to region and even from house to house in the same street. In open spaces, when radon mixes with air, it is quickly diluted into the atmosphere. However, when air containing radon rises from the soil and rocks beneath houses it may find its way into the property – mainly through cracks in floors, walls and gaps around service pipes.

The breathing in of high concentrations of radon gas has been linked to lung cancer. High concentrations can occur in houses due to inadequate ventilation.

While Nottinghamshire as a whole is comparatively risk-free (see map of high-risk areas in England), the ridge of magnesian limestone running North-South through Ashfield district does put households at a potential risk.

Radon advice and information is available from Ashfield District Council's Environmental Protection Section:

Environmental Protection Section
Council Offices
Urban Road
Kirkby-in-Ashfield
Nottinghamshire
NG17 8DA

Tel: 01623 450000

PID Ref = Local Service