Unsafe levels of cancer-causing radon gas have been detected in 16 prisons, with 33 sites currently under investigation by the Ministry of Justice.
The Independent has reported that HMP’s Bedford, Channings Wood, Downview, East Sutton Park, Exeter, Hollesley Bay, Leicester, Lincoln, Lindholme, Parc, Portland, Stafford, The Verne, Usk and Wealstun have all measured unsafe levels of radon, deemed “above action” levels by officials. This follows the closure of HMP Dartmoor in 2024, where levels of radon were found to be 10 times higher than the recommended limit.
Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive natural gas, formed when small amounts of uranium in rocks and soils decay, and can build up in indoor areas. While it can be controlled through ventilation, it is known to increase a person’s risk of lung cancer, with more than 1,100 deaths from the disease attributed to radon each year in the UK, according to the Health Security Agency.
By law, mitigation measures must be put in place to reduce radon exposure in workplaces if levels are shown to exceed certain levels. For sleeping areas, such as prison cells, this is lowered accordingly.
The number of sites measuring high for radon was uncovered in meeting notes recorded by the Prison Officers Association in early 2024. Since then, the Ministry of Justice has stated that a small number of the 33 investigations were still awaiting final sign-off or under review.
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