EIGHTEEN thousand homes in Gloucestershire are being offered the chance to test their house for levels of radioactive radon gas for free.

This naturally occurring gas cannot be seen, heard, smelled or tasted -but each year is believed to lead to over 1,000 lung cancer deaths.

Public Health England is targeting thousands of homes in areas covered by Cotswold District Council, the Forest of Dean District Council and Cheltenham Borough Council, where scientists estimate there is a higher than usual chance that homes will have high radon levels.

“It has long been known that the Cotswolds and parts of Gloucestershire are radon hotspots,” said Neil McColl, head of dosimetry services at the Centre for Radiation, Chemicals and Environmental Hazards.

He added: “It’s important people do act because long term exposure to high levels of radon can lead to lung cancer.”

Radon testing involves placing two small plastic detectors in key positions around the home. After three months the detectors are posted to PHE where they are analysed and the radon level is calculated.

If levels are high PHE will recommend householders take steps to reduce levels with local advice sessions being planned to help provide the information needed.