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. But when air containing radon rises from the soil and rocks beneath your home it may find its way in - 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 your house due to inadequate ventilation.

Whereas Nottinghamshire as a whole is comparatively risk-free (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. Information on local geology.

Radon advice and information is available from Ashfield District Council's Environmental officers.