Can radon gas cause cancer?

What is radon gas?

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from rocks and soil. It’s found naturally in the air outdoors at low levels, but can build up to higher levels indoors in some buildings.

Radon gives out radiation. When we breathe radon in, the radiation can cause changes to the cells in our lungs, which can lead to cancer.

Can radon cause lung cancer?

Exposure to high levels of radon increases the risk of lung cancer. But only a small percentage (5%) of lung cancers in the UK are linked to radon - that’s 1 in 20 cases of lung cancer.

Most cases of radon-related lung cancer could be prevented by not smoking.

This is because lung cancers that are linked to radon are most likely to be caused by the combination of smoking and radon.

Find out more about how to stop smoking

What are the levels of radon in the UK?

Radon levels naturally vary in different parts of the UK, due to different types of ground. Indoor radon levels also differ between neighbouring homes and buildings.

Most homes in the UK have low levels of indoor radon, and so the risk of developing lung cancer from radon exposure in the home is low. But some buildings may have higher levels of indoor radon.

You can use the website UKRadon to check the radon levels for a UK postcode. It has information on how to measure indoor radon levels in your home and also how to reduce high levels. You can also contact your local authority if you need advice.

Find out more