Full Breakdown
Rising Concerns Over Radon Gas Exposure in UK Prisons
3/26/2026, 10:30:43 PM
Overview of the Situation
The Ministry of Justice in the United Kingdom is currently investigating 42 prison and probation sites due to concerns over unsafe levels of radon gas, a colorless and odorless radioactive gas known to increase the risk of lung cancer. This investigation follows the closure of HMP Dartmoor in Devon in 2024, where radon levels were recorded at ten times the recommended limit. The government is reportedly spending approximately £4 million annually on the empty facility due to a lease agreement made after the hazardous levels were discovered.
Health Risks and Legal Actions
Radon gas is produced from the decay of uranium found in rocks and soils, and it can accumulate in indoor environments. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) attributes over 1,100 lung cancer deaths annually to radon exposure. Legal action is being spearheaded by Kesar and Co, representing former prisoners and staff who believe they have been adversely affected by radon exposure at HMP Dartmoor and five other prisons: HMP Exeter, Channings Wood, Lindholme, Portland, and The Verne.
Specific Findings and Regulations
Documents obtained through a Freedom of Information request revealed that HMP Exeter recorded radon levels exceeding nine times the legal limit in 2020, with some areas measuring over 900 Bq/m³ by the end of 2024. UKHSA guidelines stipulate that mitigation measures must be implemented when radon levels exceed 300 Bq/m³ in workplaces and 200 Bq/m³ in sleeping areas, such as prison cells.
Criticism of Government Response
Critics have expressed concern over the lack of urgency in addressing the radon risks in operational prisons. Mladen Kesar, the solicitor leading the legal action, highlighted that despite the high radon levels, prisons like HMP Exeter remain operational without evacuation. He stated, “There is no sense of urgency or responsibility,” comparing the situation unfavorably to responses to other health threats. Gemma Abbott, legal director at the Howard League for Penal Reform, emphasized the state’s legal and moral obligation to ensure the safety of incarcerated individuals, criticizing the Ministry of Justice for its inadequate response to the radon threat and other safety issues.
Official Statements
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice stated that they routinely monitor radon levels across the prison estate and take necessary actions to mitigate risks when elevated levels are identified. However, the government has faced criticism for not providing detailed risk assessments for prisons with higher radon readings, raising questions about transparency and accountability in ensuring prisoner safety.
Conclusion
The ongoing investigation into radon gas exposure in UK prisons highlights significant health risks and raises concerns about the adequacy of government responses. As legal actions progress and public scrutiny increases, the situation underscores the need for immediate and effective measures to protect the health of inmates and staff across the prison system.
