An invisible killer gas could be lurking in homes across London, according to a government map.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that has been found to cause cancer.
It is colourless and odourless and comes from decaying uranium in rocks and soil.
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According to the data, your chances of encountering higher radon levels in your day-to-day life depends on where you live in London.
Areas like Stratford, Croydon, Beckenham, Peckham and Greenwich have higher levels of radon than other parts of the city, according to the full map.
The darker the colour the greater the chance of a higher level. The chance is less than one home in a hundred in the white areas and greater than one in three in the darkest areas.
Levels of radon can be reduced by sealing around loft hatches and large openings in floors. Extra ventilation can also be put into homes.
Wales, South West of England, as well as parts of the Midlands and the North are the worst affected areas, with the South East, including London, relatively spared.
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Radon is formed by the radioactive decay of the small amounts of uranium that occur naturally in all rocks and soils.
Radioactive elements decay and emit radiation and any exposure to this is a risk to health.
According to Public Health England, radon causes an estimated 1,100 deaths from lung cancer every year in the UK.
Every building contains radon but the levels are usually low and the chances of a higher level depend on the type of ground.
Radioactive elements formed by the decay of radon can be inhaled and transferred into the lungs.
Once there, these elements continue to decay and emit radiation, most importantly alpha particles.
These are absorbed by the lung tissues and cause localised damage which can lead to lung cancer.
Radon is the largest and most variable contributor of radiation dose to the general population, according to the government.
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https://www.mylondon.news/news/health/areas-london-residents-most-exposed-21616461