It may be out of sight but make sure radon gas is never out of your mind, especially if you live in a radon affected area. While the government has an ‘action level’ of 200 becquerels per cubic metre you can take comfort in the fact that the national average level of radon in homes is 20 becquerels per cubic metre However, even at this low measure it still poses a lifetime risk of lung cancer of 1 in 300.

The problem is that radon is colourless, odourless and tasteless. The only way to find out if you are at risk in your home is to run a check with a radon test kit. Don’t rely on test results from neighbours’ properties. Readings in your home could be totally different.

Radon is produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rocks and water. The gas enters homes through the smallest of gaps found in the construction of any building and can quickly build up, especially in basements. According to the World Health Organisation mortality statistics indicate that radon causes more deaths that drunk drivers, fires and carbon monoxide leaks.