Radon gas: The most radioactive places near Salisbury

The city, along with some nearby towns and villages, has an abundance of the radioactive gas, Radon.

Radon gas is a naturally occurring, odourless, colourless and tasteless gas which in high levels can increase the risk of cancer.

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

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.

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.

Using the map, we've found some of the most radioactive places nearby and compiled a list.

Tisbury has the highest amount of Radon gas (Image: UK Health Security Agency)

1. Tisbury and Newtown

Some parts of Tisbury and Newtown are in bands of elevated radon potential.

Their maximum radon potential is greater than 30 per cent

Fordingbridge's Radon gas map (Image: UK Health Security Agency)

2. Swallowcliffe, Fordingbridge  and Alderbury

Some parts of these areas are in bands of elevated radon potential. Their maximum radon potential is three to five per cent .

Salisbury's radon gas map (Image: UK Health Security Agency)

3. Salisbury, Amesbury and Fovant

Some parts of these areas are in bands of elevated radon potential. Their maximum radon potential is one to three per cent.

Readers can find more information, and view the interactive map by clicking here.