Around 1100 people who die each year from lung cancer could actually be the victims of radon gas poisoning in their homes.
A report produced by the Food and Environmental Research Agency (FERA) highlighted the surprising number of deaths caused by the odourless, tasteless gas, which collects in the basement of buildings in areas of the United Kingdom.
In certain parts of Ireland, the study found that the levels of naturally occurring radon could emit radiation equivalent to having an incredible ten X-rays per day.
Radon accounts for 3.3 per cent of all lung cancer deaths recorded in the UK.
Thankfully, the cost of protecting homes from radon gas is relatively inexpensive and prevention kits are fairly easy to fit.
As long as rooms are ventilated and there is good air circulation, radon gas should not necessarily be a significant issue.
Detection kits are now available from the Health Protection Agency. The devices need to be installed and gases measured over a period of 3 months.
Very few purchasers of properties realise that radon is an important consideration; by protecting your home, you are far less likely to fall victim to this silent killer.
