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 a cancerous radioactive gas called Radon can be found - with some locations in higher concentration that 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 have 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 Hampshire shows mostly low levels of radon, with hotspots in some areas.

Winchester and the surrounding areas have higher levels of the gas than elsewhere in Hampshire.

Winchester Central & South, East and West

Andover Advertiser:

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

Winchester North & Sparsholt

Andover Advertiser:

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

Oliver's Battery and Hursley

Andover Advertiser:

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

Springvale & Itchen Abbas

Andover Advertiser:

The area ranges between less than one per cent up to 10 per cent.

Some parts of the grid are in bands of elevated radon potential. Maximum radon potential is 10 % in the darkest areas.

Colden Common & Twyford

Andover Advertiser:

Some parts of this 1km grid square are in bands of elevated radon potential. Maximum radon potential is 3-5 %.

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: https://www.ukradon.org/information/ukmaps.