Radon Contamination at HMP Dartmoor Leads to Prisoner Relocations

Nearly 200 prisoners have been moved from HMP Dartmoor after radon gas detection, amid a prison capacity crisis.

Radon gas, linked to around 1,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the UK, was detected at HMP Dartmoor, leading to the closure of 184 cells and the relocation of nearly 200 prisoners.
The presence of radon, an odourless and colourless gas produced by decaying radioactive materials, is more likely in areas with high granite concentrations like Dartmoor.
Labour criticizes the government's delay in addressing the radon issue, noting that the gas was first detected in 2020 but measures were not implemented until 2022.
Justice Minister Edward Argar asserts ongoing investments in the prison estate to ensure safety and security, with temporary mitigations in place since 2022.
A December report by Dartmoor's independent monitoring board described the prison as understaffed, overcrowded, and 'not fit for purpose', highlighting the need for further action on radon.