Householders in the north-east have been warned that ignoring radon “is not a safe option” for their health.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has asked people to contact them for help with clearing the radioactive gas from their homes.

Radon cannot be seen, smelt or tasted but each year it is believed to lead to more than 1,000 lung cancer deaths across the UK.

Last year the HPA ran a Holyrood-funded testing programme but officials want anyone who missed out or is still concerned to get in touch.

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People in more than 800 houses with high levels of radon did not come to the events targeted at them, and it is these people the HPA particularly want to reach out to now.

Neil McColl, from the HPA’s Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, said: “We understand that when some people received their radon results they may have been concerned because having a letter drop through the door telling you that your family is exposed to radiation could be unsettling for some people. Sadly, ignoring radon isn’t a safe option. Failing to deal with high radon levels just increases your exposure and the risk to the health of you and your family.”

Michael Matheson, public health minister, said: "We are encouraging everyone who has received high radon results to come forward and find out what they can do to their homes to lower levels."

Householders wanting more information should call 01235 822622 or email [email protected].