HMP Dartmoor was forced to close dozens of cells and move nearly 200 prisoners after radioactive gas was detected inside the prison.
Large amounts of radon – a colorless and odorless gas – were recently discovered in a men’s prison in Devon.
At present, the number of relocations has been exposed.
Between November and February, 184 units were closed, with official figures showing a total safe capacity of 640.
It is understood that in the same period up to February, 194 prisoners were moved out of the prison due to radon contamination.
A spokesman for the Prison Service said: “A number of prisoners have been relocated as a precautionary measure after routine testing revealed higher than normal levels of radon gas.”
The inmate transfers are a “temporary measure” to “permanently reduce” radon levels in Class C facilities to ensure there are no safety issues for on-site staff and inmates.
Radon gas is formed from the radioactive decay of small amounts of uranium found naturally in all rocks and soil and can only be detected using special instruments.
Radioactive elements can be inhaled and continue to decay in the body, emitting radiation. Approximately 1,000 people die from lung cancer each year.
Although the gas is ubiquitous, its levels are low and the health risk it poses is low – however, it is thought to be more common in areas with higher concentrations of granite, such as Dartmoor.
Map showing radon levels across the UK. The darker the color, the greater the chance of getting a higher grade. Image source: UKHSA
laborThe organization revealed the figures in a series of questions to ministers, saying “shocking mismanagement of prison assets by the government means they have had to reduce the number of prison sites during a capacity crisis”.
Shadow Prisons Minister Ruth Cadbury noted that radon gas was detected in 2020 but Ministry of Justice It said the measures “will not be implemented until 2022.”
She questioned the delay, adding: “After 14 years in power and a dozen prisons ministers, our prisons are out of control and the government needs to get a grip.”
Justice Minister Edward Agar said the Prison Service “continues to invest in prison assets to ensure prisons remain safe, decent and secure”.
Mr Argar said increased radon levels detected in 2020 were in “underground areas near kitchens and workshops”.
He added: “Since 2022, Dartmoor has implemented temporary mitigation measures in these areas on the advice of specialist contractors pending the completion of permanent mitigation measures.
“Elevated radon levels have recently been discovered in some accommodation areas of the prison and experts have been commissioned to provide further advice.”
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Meanwhile, a report by the Dartmoor Independent Monitoring Commission in December last year highlighted that the prison was understaffed and overcrowded and was arguably “not fit for purpose”.
It added: “It is only this year that some action has been taken, along with further monitoring to inform future decision-making.”
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