Radon
Information on radon and reports from the Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards (CRCE).
Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive gas. It’s formed by the radioactive decay of small amounts of uranium that occur naturally in all rocks and soils.
The main danger from high radon exposure is the increased risk of lung cancer. For most people, radon is the single largest source of radiation exposure whether they are at home or at work.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is the UK’s primary expert on radon and radiation protection. UKHSA provides resources and advice about radon for the public, including individual householders, industry, education and research.
The UKradon website has more information about radon, including:
- health risks
- maps of radon-affected areas
- the radon measurement services that UKHSA offers
The UKHSA blog includes information on radon.
Read recent UKHSA publications on radon below.
Guidance documents
Research and analysis
Updates to this page
Last updated 2 September 2022 + show all updates
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Added 'Results of the 2021 intercomparison of passive radon detectors'.
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Added: 'Intercomparison of passive radon detectors: 2019'.
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Added 'Radon: performance of basic protection in new homes'.
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Added 'Passive remediation of Radon in UK homes'.
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Added: UK National Radon Action Plan
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We have added 'Radon exposure: occupancy factors for UK homes' in the Guidance section.
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Two reports added to the Research and Analysis section: Radon in Homes in Wales 2016, Radon in Homes in Northern Ireland 2016.
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Research and analysis section updated: PHE 2015 intercomparison of passive radon detectors
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Added 2016 UK radon reports.
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Added radon in workplace basements.
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First published.