An interactive map shows where a radioactive gas is present in south Essex which is colourless, odourless and tasteless.
Radon is formed by radioactive decay from the small amounts of uranium that can be found naturally in all rocks and soils. This means it is everywhere.
Public Health England, however, states that "every building contains radon but the levels are usually low.
"The chances of a higher level depend on the type of ground."
The radiation emitted from the elements can increase the risk of cancer and it appears those living in rural areas are surrounded by more levels of this radioactive gas than more urban areas like London.
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Public Health England has released a map showing where high levels are more likely. This can be found through this link.
The darker the colour, the greater the chance of a higher level.
The chance is less than one home in a hundred in the white areas and greater than one in three in the darkest areas.
In south Essex, the Southend, Basildon, Castle Point and Rochford areas are all said to be free of high levels of radon.
But there are large parts of Thurrock which are highlighted on the map.
Areas such as the London Gateway Port, Stanford-le-Hope, South Ockendon and Purfleet are all marked up, with the map suggesting there is a one to three per cent chance of maximum radon exposure.
Other parts of Essex which are highlighted include Harwich, Kelvedon and West Bergholt near Colchester.
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