AN interactive map now shows the hotspots of radioactive radon gas in Worcestershire.

Radon is formed by radioactive decay from the small amounts of uranium found naturally in all rocks and soils. This means that it is everywhere.

It is colourless, odourless and tasteless, but high levels of this gas can increase the risk of cancer.

Public health officials said every building contains radon, and levels are usually low, but there are hotspots across the country caused by the type of ground on which buildings were constructed.

An interactive map provided by the UK Health Security Agency can tell you whether you live in or near an area affected by high levels of radon gas.

According to the Gov.UK website, radon causes over 1,100 deaths from lung cancer each year in the UK.

The darker the colour, the greater the chance of a higher level of gas. The risk is less than one home in a hundred in the white areas and greater than one in three in the darkest areas.

The worst affected area in Worcestershire is the Warndon side of Worcester, Broadway and around Ledbury. 

Stourbridge and around Clee Hill are also in the dark red section. 

Pershore, Evesham, Kidderminster, Stourport and Kempsey are featured in the lighter orange area.

The interactive map can be found here.

What is Radon gas?

The GOV.UK website reads: "Radon produces radioactive dust in the air we breathe.

"The dust is trapped in our airways and emits radiation that damages the inside of our lungs.

"This damage, like the damage caused by smoking, increases our risk of lung cancer."