<p>Public Health England (PHE) has identified that radon may be present in natural gas obtained by hydraulic fracturing of shale reserves, as is the case for natural gas derived from some other sources, see:</p><p>https://www.gov.uk/government/news/shale-gas-extraction-emissions-are-a-low-risk-to-public-health</p><p>Radon in domestic gas supply has been assessed previously for its radiological significance in relation to natural gas from the North Sea and it leads to domestic gas customers receiving very small radiation exposures, compared with other naturally occurring radiation. Measurements from the USA of radon in shale gas methane suggest that the concentrations are similar to those found in natural gas from other sources, and that radiation exposure to domestic gas users from this source will also be very low.</p><p>PHE anticipates a low risk to public health from direct releases of radioactive material if shale gas extraction is properly operated and regulated.</p><p>PHE has recommended that it will be appropriate to determine the initial radon concentrations in natural gas from shale sources in the UK.</p><p>PHE has further recommended that the existing radiological assessment, of radon in natural gas, should be reviewed using measurements of radon in UK shale gas together with assessment parameters that reflect the processing and transport network that will apply to UK shale gas methane.</p><p>The Government is considering PHE's recommendations and will respond in due course.</p>