ANDOVER is one of the least radioactive places to live in Hampshire, according to the UK Health Security Agency.

Our town lacks large quantities of the radioactive gas, Radon that many other places in the county have in abundance. However, that is not to say that we do not have some hotspots.

Radon gas is a naturally occurring, odourless, colourless and tasteless gas which in high levels can increase the risk of cancer.

Radon is formed by radioactive decay from the small amounts of uranium that can be found naturally in all rocks and soils. This means that it is everywhere.

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Public health officials say every building contains radon and levels are usually low, but there are hotspots across the country, caused by the type of ground buildings were constructed on.

An interactive map, provided by the UK Health Security Agency, can tell you whether you live in, or near, an area affected by high levels of radon gas.

The darker the colour, the greater the chance of a higher level of gas. The risk is less than one home in a hundred in the white areas and greater than one in three in the darkest areas.

Using the map, we've identified the areas deemed 'most radioactive', and put together a list, readers can find out more by visiting ukradon.org/information/ukmaps#

The following areas are in the highest bands of elevated radon potential in Andover, with the maximum radon potential for each area being three to five per cent.

  • Abbotts Ann
  • Little Ann

The following areas are in the second-highest bands of elevated radon potential in Andover with the maximum radon potential for each area being one to three per cent.

  • Upper Clatford
  • Charlton
  • Tidworth
  • Monxton/Amport
  • Thruxton
  • Abbotts Ann
  • Chilbolton
  • Stockbridge
  • Appleshaw

Areas such as the town centre and Over Wallop are in the lowest band of radon potential, with less than one per cent of homes at or above the Action Level.