THERE is an important message to remember amid the warnings about dangerous levels of the gas radon in West Oxfordshire: don’t panic.

Today we report that the Health Protection Agency is going to write to more than 9,000 households warning them of concerns about higher than acceptable levels of the radioactive gas may be building up in their homes.

This is linked to the geology of the area and the fear is that long-term exposure may increase the risk of lung cancer. Radon attaches itself to the cells lining the lungs and is dangerous for people like smokers whose cells are already damaged.

The warning published today by the HPA will trigger much alarm – there is almost no way the agency could avoid that.

But people should keep this in perspective, rather than fleeing for the hills.

The HPA is at least offering free tests to those 9,000 households and if you are affected then you should take it up on the offer.

If nothing else it would put your mind at rest, or, if house values are as pressing a concern as health, cover you for the day when you look to sell, rather than having your property blighted by this red flag.