Parts of Cambridgeshire are among areas in the UK with high exposure to the radioactive element radon.

A colourless and odourless gas that originates from the decay of elements in rocks and soils, radon can be found in some buildings due to the type of ground they were constructed on.

Using an interactive map published by the UK Health and Security Agency, you can find out whether you live in, or near, an area affected 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 white areas and greater than one in three in the darkest areas.

Where are Cambridgeshire’s radon gas hotspots?

The county’s worst affected areas lie between Huntingdon and Ely, including parts of East Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, and Fenland.

Areas in and around Witchford, Fenstanton, and Huntingdon are particularly impacted, with some locations recording a “maximum radon potential” of five to 10 per cent.

Coveney, Earith, areas to the west of Needingworth and areas to the north of Wilburton all recorded a radon potential of five to 10 per cent.

Swavesey, Hemingford Abbots, Fen Drayton and Conington all registered a radon potential of three to five percent, while Over, Doddington and Chatteris had between one and three percent radon potential.

The rest of Cambridge remains in the lowest band for radon exposure, although some areas in Peterborough are impacted by high radon potential.

Sutton, Orton Warville, Nassington and areas around Upton all recorded a radon potential of between five and ten per cent.

The radon potential in Thornhaugh, meanwhile, is greater than 30 per cent.

Is radon gas dangerous and am I at risk?

Although you can’t see, smell, or taste it, prolonged exposure to radon can cause damage to living tissues, increasing the risk of lung cancer.

An independent report, Radon and Public Health estimated that radon is a case in over 1,100 lung cancer deaths each year in the UK.

Exposure from building materials is generally at a low level, although the larger risk comes from it being drawn into homes from the ground.

To reduce your 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 is it, and if you smoke, give up.

For more information on radon levels in your area, and how to reduce your risk, visit the UK Health Security Agency website.