Higher radon exposure has been linked to more than double the risk of lung cancer, according to a landmark UK study.

Researchers found that residents living in areas with the highest radon levels had more than twice the likelihood of developing lung cancer compared to those in low-exposure areas.

This includes Reading, Bracknell, High Wycombe and Slough. 

This association remained even after accounting for smoking, air pollution, age, sex and socioeconomic conditions.

The findings emerged from a new study led by Queen’s University Belfast in collaboration with Trinity College Dublin.

Lead author Claire Delargy, a PhD researcher at Queen’s University Belfast, said: "Our findings reiterate that the radon atlas can be a practical tool for the public.

"Checking whether your home is in an area where testing is recommended is an important first step.

"Radon cannot be seen or smelt, but it can be measured relatively easily, and testing is the only way to know the levels in your home."

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This is the first UK research to connect national radon mapping data with cancer statistics from the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry on a large regional scale.

Bracknell has been identified as an area with some of the lowest radon levels in the UK, according to the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA).

Bracknell and Slough have a less than a one per cent probability of radon exposure. In contrast, some parts of Reading have a probability of around five to 10 per cent. 

Some areas of High Wycombe have a one to three per cent probability.

People can use the radon map on the UKHSA website to see the levels of radon in their area.

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Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is invisible, odourless and can accumulate indoors.

Dr Daniel Middleton, senior author and lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast’s Cancer Epidemiology and Data Research Group, said: "This study shows that widely available radon maps can reflect differences in lung cancer risk at a population level, which has important implications for public health.

"It also highlights that moving towards more detailed, continuous estimates of radon concentration could support more advanced research and help refine how we target prevention efforts.

"However, it is important to emphasise that smoking remains the dominant cause of lung cancer.

"Stopping smoking is still the most effective way to reduce risk.

"Notably, most radon-related lung cancer patients also smoke cigarettes."

Researchers say the findings underline the need for increased public awareness and radon testing, even in areas not currently classified as high risk.

They also acknowledge that exposure can vary between individual properties within the same mapped areas.

Testing is straightforward and costs around £50.