Radon is a natural radioactive gas, colourless and odourless. Radon is a health concern because it can move through the subsoil and into buildings. It is not related to what your house is made of.
Exposure to higher levels of radon for a long time may increase your risk of developing lung cancer. The risk is further increased if you, or someone in your home, smokes indoors.
Advice and testing for radon
If your household or workplace has a ground floor level we recommend you test for radon.
A low cost radon measurement pack can be ordered on the UKradon website or by phoning 01235 822622.
If your result is at or above the UK Action Level of 200 Bq m-3, see the UKRadon's website for ways on reducing radon. Sometimes a free re-measurement is available to check the remedial work. Natural Environment can help you interpret the results.
If you rent, or have concerns about radon levels in your workplace, your landlord or employer can order the pack.
Please note that the interactive map used on the UKradon website doesn't include information about Jersey.
Radon in drinking water supplies
Radon can be present in private water supplies in Jersey. If your home has a private drinking water supply that is fed from a groundwater source, you should follow the simple steps set out on the UKRadon's website dedicated radon in water webpage
Radon surveys in Jersey
Environmental Health tested a number of properties for radon across the Island previously. Our results suggest at least 12% of Island homes may contain radon at a level that requires action.
The Environment Scrutiny Panel considered Radon in Jersey in 2014.