Radon and radon exposure for prison workers and prisoners – Frequently Asked Questions

Our Industrial Disease team answers some commonly-asked-questions about radon, and explains why it is currently being investigated in prisons around the country.

With the temporary closure of HMP Dartmoor and the recent news about a potential formal public censure regarding dangerous levels of radon exposure for staff and inmates, we would like to shed some light on this subject.

What is radon, how are we exposed to it, and why are thirty-three UK prison sites currently being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive?

What is radon and where is it found?

Radon is a radioactive gas. It is formed from uranium, which is found in all rocks and soil. As uranium breaks down within the structure of rock or soil, radioactive transformation causes decay to the point where it becomes radium. The radioactive decay of radium then produces radon gas.

How does exposure occur?

With radon being a naturally occurring gas – once it is in the air, it is unknowingly inhaled. After it has entered the body it can decay further, releasing ionising radiation into the lungs.

What is considered a safe level of radon exposure?

No level of exposure is entirely safe. However, anything below 150 Bq/m3 is considered safe enough by the EPA. However, the World Health Organisation recommends keeping levels below 100 Bq/m3, to reduce the risk of lung cancer.

Why is it a health risk?

Radon produces a radioactive dust in the air we breathe. The dust is trapped in our airways and emits radiation that damages the inside of our lungs. This damage, like the damage caused by smoking, increases our risk of lung cancer.

• Radon increases risk of lung cancer
• The higher the concentration of radon, the longer the exposure, the greater the risk
• Radon causes over 1,100 deaths from lung cancer each year in the UK
• The risk from radon is higher if the person is an ex-smoker, and significantly greater for those who still smoke.

Are some parts of the country affected more than others?

The south west of England (Cornwall and Dartmoor) are affected heavily, along with parts of Wales, areas in the Yorkshire Dales, Scotland and the Peak District, as well as others. For a full breakdown, see the map created by the UKHSA.

Why are prisons currently in the spotlight regarding risk of radon exposure?

Sixteen prisons have been found to have unsafe levels of cancer-causing radon gas.

Aside from Dartmoor, these are HMPs Bedford, Channings Wood, Downview, East Sutton Park, Exeter, Hollesley Bay, Leicester, Lincoln, Lindholme, Parc, Portland, Stafford, The Verne, Usk and Wealstun. A total of 33 sites are currently under investigation by the Ministry of Justice.

What does the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) say about radon exposure?

The HSE stipulates that employers must be sure to take action to find out radon levels, and aim to reduce the risk of exposure. It discusses how exposure is the second largest cause of lung-cancer in the UK, and it should aim to be lowered. It also comments on how being closer to the ground creates more of a risk than being higher up.

What about the welfare of prisoners?

Prisons are legally required for the human rights of a prisoner to be upheld, and management, staff, and implemented procedures must do what is required to keep them safe and well, and aim to prevent any threats to their wellbeing to the best of their ability.

Could I be eligible for compensation?

If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer and were either an employee or detainee within a UK prison, you may be able to make a claim for compensation.

Is there a time limit to make my claim?

The general time limit in which to make a claim is three years from the date of the diagnosis of your condition. There are exceptions to this, but we will be sure to advise you of this depending on your individual circumstances.

Where do I start?

Contact a member of our team of Industrial Disease experts. There is no obligation to proceed having made an enquiry, and hopefully we will be able to offer you some clarity and peace of mind as to what your next steps should be.

Why should I choose Oakwood Solicitors to make my claim?

Navigating claims involving Industrial Disease, radiation exposure, and public bodies requires specialist legal expertise. Our dedicated team can support you by:

• Assessing Your Exposure – Evaluating your timeline of either employment or detention against the period of known regulatory failure.
• Gathering Medical Evidence – Working alongside medical experts to determine if your health conditions are linked to historical radon exposure.
• Moving Forward: If we determine you have a viable claim, we can move onto the next phase of your claim with you. There is no obligation to proceed having made an initial enquiry.

Where can I find additional information about radon exposure?

We have previously written about radon exposure in our article covering the HMP Dartmoor scandal, but you can also find information from these sources:

• UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) – UKradon resource
• Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – Radon in the workplace

WHAT TO DO NEXT

If you are concerned about your health in relation to your current or former workplace, you have been or are a prisoner who has recently received a diagnosis, or if you wish to discuss a potential workplace illness claim, contact our Industrial Disease specialists on 0113 200 9720.