Radiation

The environment contains low level radiation. It is not harmful to health if properly managed. We have very limited involvement in the control of radiation sources. 

There are natural sources like radon gas that comes out of the ground, especially in areas where the bedrock is granite. There are also man-made sources such as telecoms masts and radiation sources used in industry and health care.

In daily life, common sources of non-ionising radiation include the sun, sunbeds, household electrical appliances, mobile phones, Wi-Fi, and microwave ovens.

Radon

Southwark is in a low radon area. Read about radon on the UK Radon website.

Electromagnetic radiation

All electrical currents cause electromagnetic radiation. Read more about electromagnetic radiation from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Telecoms masts

The Health and Safety Executive oversees the safety of telecoms masts. You can see where telecoms masts are on Mast data.

Radiation exposure levels from living near mobile base stations are low and the evidence indicates they're unlikely to be a health risk.

Read about mobile phone base stations, radio waves and health from Public Health England.

Industrial radiation

The Health and Safety Executive regulates radiation from industry and health care.

You can search for local industrial radiation sources.

Sunbathing and sunbeds

Sunbeds cause tanning by using ultraviolet (UV) rays that increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Find more health advice from Cancer Research UK.

Microwave ovens

Microwaves are a type of electromagnetic radiation. Read about microwave oven safety from the World Health Organization (WHO).