Owners of properties in the Kerrier district that are in areas known to have high radon levels will be offered free testing during February.

Areas throughout the district will be targeted including, for the first time, some properties on the Lizard peninsula.

A similar programme was held in the Kerrier district during 2003 and 2004, when a number of homes with unacceptable levels of radon were identified and the householders were offered advice.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas, which is colourless, odourless and tasteless and is known to increase the lifetime risk of lung cancer.

The testing kits being offered contain full instructions and two circular monitors, which should be placed in separate areas within the home.

After three months the householder returns the monitors to the Health Protection Agency in the pre-paid envelope provided.

Lee Wagland, healthy communities manager responsible for the radon awareness programme at Kerrier district council, said: “We would urge residents to take up these offers. We did not anticipate this opportunity and are tremendously fortunate to have any more free and reduced rate tests to offer after so many kits were distributed previously.”

For more details contact Lee Wagland on 01209 616990 or email radon@kerrier.gov.uk.