THE risk from dangerous levels of radioactive radon gas building up in homes across Pendle is slight according to Government statistics.

Studies have shown only 4,900 houses in the borough - around one in seven homes - had just a one to three per cent chance of being above the Government's action level where remedial work is recommended.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas found in small quantities in soil and rock. It quickly disperses in the open air but can accumulate in buildings, especially those built on permeable ground which contains more uranium than average.

Exposure to the gas over time, increases the risk of lung cancer, particularly among smokers.

Pendle MP Gordon Prentice said: "The Government will be sending invitations to the 100,000 householders most affected nationwide, offering free radon measurements. Those who do not receive one of these invitations, should be reassured by the fact that their homes are not among those most likely to be affected

"I am told radon concentrations can be easily reduced in the home and can be undertaken by builders within a day of two. This is obviously very reassuring."

In neighbouring Craven district, half the homes have a one to three per cent probability of being above the safe level. A further one in five houses have a three to 10 per cent chance, and one in a hundred have up to a 30 per cent chance of being over the safety limit.

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