IT CAUSES more premature deaths than drink-driving across the country and is the leading cause of lung cancer.

Across the UK, there are many areas where cancerous radioactive gas Radon can be found - in higher concentration in some areas than others.

Radon is a 'colourless and odourless' natural radioactive gas that is formed by the radioactive decay of small amounts of uranium in rocks and soils.

The gas can also be found in water and some building materials, which means it can be detected in homes.

Public Health England (PHE) say every building contains radon but the levels are usually low.

The chances of a higher level depend on the type of ground.

PHE has published an interactive map which shows the hotspots of the radioactive gas.

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.

A broad look at the Ise of Wight shows mostly low levels of radon, with hotspots in some areas.

Yarmouth and Freshwater

Isle of Wight County Press:

Some parts of this 1km grid square are in bands of elevated radon potential. Maximum radon potential is 5-10 %.

Brighstone and Shalfleet

Isle of Wight County Press:

There is a low risk of radon around the area.

Most parts of this 1km grid square are in the lowest band of radon potential.

Some parts of this area do have elevated radon potential. Maximum radon potential is 1-3 % in these areas.

Niton, Shorwell and Godshill

Isle of Wight County Press:

There is a predominately low risk of radon around the area.

All parts of this 1km grid square are in the lowest band of radon potential. Less than 1 % of homes above the Action Level.

Ventnor and Wroxall

Isle of Wight County Press:

There is a predominately low risk of radon around the area.

All parts of this 1km grid square are in the lowest band of radon potential. Less than 1 % of homes above the Action Level.

Shanklin West and Newchurch

Isle of Wight County Press:

There is a predominately low risk of radon around the area.

All parts of this 1km grid square are in the lowest band of radon potential. Less than 1 % of homes above the Action Level.

Newport South and West

Isle of Wight County Press:

Some parts of this 1km grid square are in bands of elevated radon potential. Maximum radon potential is 1-3 %.

Cowes, Osborne, Gurnard and Northwood

Isle of Wight County Press:

There is a predominately low risk of radon around the area.

All parts of this 1km grid square are in the lowest band of radon potential. Less than 1 % of homes above the Action Level.

Sandown and Brading

Isle of Wight County Press:

Some parts of this 1km grid square are in bands of elevated radon potential. Maximum radon potential is 1-3 %.

Ryde West & Havenstreet

Isle of Wight County Press:

There is a predominately low risk of radon around the area.

All parts of this 1km grid square are in the lowest band of radon potential. Less than 1 % of homes above the Action Level.

How can I check if there is a high risk of Radon in my area?

To check if your area has a high risk of Radon use the map here.