Areas of Lincolnshire have been identified as high risk places for a radioactive gas that can cause cancer.

Lincoln and Grantham are just two of the places in the county at risk of radon gas, which is odourless and invisible.

The gas has been attributed to around 1,100 lung cancer deaths every year and has been responsible for more premature deaths than drink-driving and workplace accidents combined.

Radon gas is formed by radioactive decay of the small amounts of uranium which occur naturally in all rocks and soils.

The radioactive gas damages our lungs and increases the risk of lung cancer, particularly for smokers and ex-smokers.

The dust gets trapped in our airways which then emits radiation that damages our lungs.

Damage caused by the radiation can increase our risk of lung cancer – much similar to the damage caused by smoking.

Radon levels are generally safe outside but can build indoors to levels deemed to be a risk to our health.

A map, produced by Public Health England , reveals that areas of Lincolnshire are at high-risk due to the gas.

Here is a breakdown of the areas of the county that could be at risk.


Radon gas levels in Lincoln and surrounding area.


The centre of the city is most a risk as a result of the gas in the area. Risks that come from the gas extends outside into places such as Cherry Willingham , Heighington and Bracebridge Heath. In contrast, North Hykeham, Skellingthorpe and Saxilby are considered low risk.


Radon gas levels in Gainsborough.

The town and areas surrounding Gainsborough are mostly considered low risk, according to Public Health England. There is a slight risk in areas such as Blyton and Scotter, but the risk grows as you move further east from the town. Places such as Kirton Lindsey and Hemswell Cliff are high-risk.

Lincolnshire coast

Radon gas levels in on the East Coast.

Areas of the Lincolnshire Wolds are of slight risk. Moving further east to the coast and the risks get lower as Skegness and surrounding places are considered a low risk.

Boston, Grantham, Sleaford and Spalding

Radon gas levels in Grantham, Spalding, Sleaford and Boston.

Grantham is one if the highest at risk across the county, with much of that spreading towards Sleaford. Spalding and Boston are considered low risk according to Public Health England.

You can search your postcode here  to see where you stand.

The amount of radon is measured in becquerels per cubic metre of air (Bq m).

The average level in UK homes is 20 Bq m.

For levels below 100 Bq m, your individual risk remains relatively low and not a cause for concern. However, the risk increases as the radon level increases.

Am I at risk from Radon?

BristolLive reports  a  Radon Risk Report  costs £3.90 from the Government website and will tell you if your home is in a radon-affected area.

If it is, the Government will recommend the radon concentration in your home being  measured .

Available from Public Health England, you will be posted two detectors to place in your home: one in the living area and one in an occupied bedroom.

After three months you post the detectors back to the body in a prepaid envelope provided. The detectors are analysed and the results are posted back to you.

The cost is £50.40 and can be  ordered here .

How to reduce Radon levels

The government advises that if the result is at or above the UK Action Level of 200 Bq m, then steps should be taken to reduce it.





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