AN interactive map shows the hotspots of a radioactive gas in Dorset which is colourless, odourless and tasteless. 

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

Public Health England, however, states that 'every building contains radon but the levels are usually low.

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

The radiation emitted from the elements can increase the risk of cancer and it appears that those living in rural areas are surrounded by more levels of this radioactive gas than more urban areas like London.

Public Health England has released a map showing where high levels are more likely. This can be found through this link

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 Dorset shows low levels of radon across the county, with hotspots in some particular areas. 

Here are how some locations in Dorset fare according to the map.

Abbotsbury 

Dorset Echo: The Abbotsbury area according to Public Health EnglandThe Abbotsbury area according to Public Health England

There is a predominately low risk of radon around the area but north of Abbotsbury appears to be a higher risk of the gas. 

Blandford Forum 

Dorset Echo: Image: Public Health EnglandImage: Public Health England

Blandford Forum is one of the only places in Dorset which is predominantly low on the scale.

There is a relatively low risk in the Durweston and Stourpaine areas but if you found the A357 towards Sturminster Newton, the risk of Radon slightly raises.

Bridport

Dorset Echo:

With colour covering the map over Bridport, this area has between a one to 10 per cent chance of homes being at or above the Action Level.

Bradpole and Bothenhampton areas have a three to five per cent risk of radon while the Toller Porcorum and West Compton civil parishes have a 10 to 30 per cent list of the radioactive gas. 

Burton Bradstock

Dorset Echo: The Burton Bradstock area has varying levels of radon. Image: Public Health EnglandThe Burton Bradstock area has varying levels of radon. Image: Public Health England

The coastal and scenic village has varying levels of radon across its area, with between a one to 10 per cent risk.

Chideock

Dorset Echo: How Chideock fares according to Public Health EnglandHow Chideock fares according to Public Health England

The West Dorset village recently made the news for having the worst air pollution in England, which could be down to the emissions from road traffic on the A35.

There also appears to be radon in the area, with a minor to moderate risk in the area.

Dorchester and Poundbury

Dorset Echo: There is a low risk of radon in Dorchester and surrounding areas. Image: Public Health England.There is a low risk of radon in Dorchester and surrounding areas. Image: Public Health England.

The area, which includes Poundbury and surrounding villages, currently has one to three per cent risk of homes being at or above the Action Level.

Gillingham 

Dorset Echo: Gillingham has a low risk to radon. Image: Public Health England.Gillingham has a low risk to radon. Image: Public Health England.

There is a low risk of radon in the Gillingham area with a zero to three per cent risk in the area.

Lyme Regis

Dorset Echo: How Lyme Regis appears on the radon risk map. Image: Public Health England.How Lyme Regis appears on the radon risk map. Image: Public Health England.

There is a varying risk of radon in the area, but more towards the Devon border. 

The Lyme Regis Golf Club appears to be a hotspot within the area, with a three to five per cent risk in the area.

Portesham and Upwey

Dorset Echo: Portesham and Upwey has the highest levels of radon in Dorset according to Public Health England. Portesham and Upwey has the highest levels of radon in Dorset according to Public Health England.

A section of land from Portesham to Upwey area of Weymouth is a radon hotspot according to Public Health England.

According to the map, these areas have between 30 per cent chance of homes in the area being above the 'Action Level' - a figure that indicates 'the level of dose rate or activity concentration above which remedial actions or protective actions should be carried out in chronic exposure or emergency exposure situations.'

The levels of radon in Upwey area appears to be a mixture from between one to 30 per cent. 

Portland

Dorset Echo:

Portland has one of the greater risks of radon in Dorset, with up to 10 per cent of homes at or above the action level. 

Purbeck Hills

Dorset Echo: How the radon levels vary in the Purbeck Hills. Image: Public Health England.How the radon levels vary in the Purbeck Hills. Image: Public Health England.

Patches of Purbeck Hills are clear of Radon, according to the maps, or have a very minor chance of being affected.

The darker orange-brown patches around Kimmeridge and on the coast and signify a five to 10 per cent chance of radiation at or above the Action Level.

Shaftesbury

Dorset Echo: Image: Public Health EnglandImage: Public Health England

While this section of the map, Shaftsbury may seem like there's a wider risk of radon.

But people should be aware that Public Health England has said that just because the map is dark in colour, doesn't mean that there is a deadly amount of radiation in the air.

Swanage

Dorset Echo: Image: Public Health EnglandImage: Public Health England

Swanage and surrounding areas have a mixture of colours in this section of the map, with the really dark brown blocks along the coastline showing evidence of up to 30 per cent risk.

West Lulworth

Dorset Echo: West Lulworth has varying levels of radon. Image: Public Health EnglandWest Lulworth has varying levels of radon. Image: Public Health England

There is a predominately low risk of radon around the area but along the coast appears to be a higher risk of the gas. 

Weymouth 

Dorset Echo: Weymouth is at low risk from Radon. Image: Public Health EnglandWeymouth is at low risk from Radon. Image: Public Health England

Weymouth is one of the few places in Dorset which is predominantly low on the scale.

As the map expands into more rural areas and into Preston, the percentage increases and the colour code darkens. 

This is most likely due to the rocks and soils being more natural compared with the buildings and green space you would find in the centre of Weymouth.

Am I at risk from radon?

If you are concerned about the radon risk in your area, you can purchase a Radon Risk Report for £3.90 from the Government website. This will tell you if your home is in a radon affected area.

If it is, the Government will recommend the radon concentration in your home being measured.

You will be posted two detectors to place in your home one in the living area and one in an occupied bedroom.

After three months you post the detectors back to the body in a prepaid envelope provided. The detectors are analysed and the results are posted back to you. The cost is £50.40 and can be ordered through this link.