Monday 12 January 2009

Mapping Radioactive Minerals

Radon is a natural radioactive gas. You cannot see, hear, feel or taste it. It comes from the minute amounts of uranium that occur naturally in all rocks and soils.Radon is present in all parts of the UK, although the gas disperses outdoors so levels are generally very low.
We all breathe it in throughout our lives - for most UK residents, radon accounts for half of their total annual radiation dosage. However, geological conditions in certain areas can lead to higher than average levels. Some of the highest radon levels have been found in the southwest, but levels well above average have been found in many other parts of the UK. Exposure to particularly high levels of radon may increase the risk of developing lung cancer.