Of course not.

You can’t see it, but you can test for it.

When we think about keeping children safe at home, we naturally focus on the visible dangers. We install stair gates, cover plug sockets, secure cupboards and test spoke alarms, as these are the risks we can identify immediately.

But what about the risks we can’t see?

What is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released from rocks and soil beneath the ground. Outdoors, it disperses harmlessly into the air. Indoors, however, it can become trapped and build up to the elevated levels without anyone realising.

It enters properties through small gaps and openings such as:

· Cracks in the floors and walls

· Gaps around pipes and cables

· Construction joints

· Crawlspaces and basements

Radon is completely invisible and has no smell or immediate symptoms, so many homeowners have no idea it may be present inside their property.

Radon is recognised as one of the leading causes of lung cancer after smoking. The risk increases with long-term exposure, particularly in spaces where people spend many hours each day.

Testing is Simple

Although radon itself is invisible, testing for it is straightforward.

A radon test measures the concentration of gas inside a property over a period of time, helping homeowners understand whether levels are within action limits.

Many people assume their property is safe because neighbouring homes have not reported issues, but radon levels can vary significantly even between houses on the same street.

For most residential properties, testing is considered good practice if the property has been identified as lying in a radon ‘affected area’.

Awareness

One of the biggest challenges surrounding radon in the UK is simply awareness. Many people have heard the word but know very little about what it is, how it enters homes, or why testing matters.

As awareness grows, more families can make informed decisions about indoor air quality and long-term health.

Ultimately, creating a safe home is not only about addressing the dangers we can see, but understanding the ones we cannot.

Small steps today can help provide reassurance and protection for years to come.