Breathing difficulties and concerns linked to radon exposure at HMP Dartmoor

HMP Dartmoor, a Victorian prison in Devon, closed in 2024 amid concerns linked to elevated radon levels.

The closure was not attributed solely to the prison’s age or budget cuts, but to what has been described as an invisible environmental hazard.

Hundreds of former inmates and staff are now seeking legal redress, alleging they were knowingly exposed to potentially harmful levels of radon gas.

Radon monitoring at HMP Dartmoor is reported to have begun in 2007, with some readings reportedly exceeding recommended safety thresholds.

However, several staff members have stated they were not informed about radon risks until monitoring equipment was installed in offices and cells more than a decade later.

Even then, it has been claimed that reassurance was given that exposure levels were “minimal”.

These assurances have since been disputed.

Potential health impacts

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas, and prolonged exposure is a recognised risk factor for lung cancer.

It has also been associated with respiratory conditions and symptoms, including shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest discomfort.

In some cases, long-term respiratory irritation has been associated with conditions such as COPD, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

Former staff have also raised concerns about potential overlap with asbestos exposure previously identified at the prison.

Government lease and costs

Despite awareness of elevated radon levels, it is reported that government officials signed a £100 million, 25-year lease for HMP Dartmoor in 2022.

The site is now understood to be empty, with taxpayers reportedly continuing to fund costs of around £4 million per year, alongside approximately £68 million in planned upgrades.

The deal was later described by the government’s spending watchdog as a “catastrophic failure”.

Operational disruption and investigations

Operational conditions inside the prison reportedly became unstable, with wings repeatedly closed and reopened before the full evacuation of the site in August 2024 following continued elevated readings.

The Health and Safety Executive has completed a criminal investigation into the handling of radon risks, though findings remain subject to legal review.

The Ministry of Justice has also launched multiple investigations across the wider prison estate, raising concerns that Dartmoor may not be an isolated case.

Legal support for former staff

Former employees of HMP Dartmoor who have developed breathing difficulties, respiratory symptoms, or diagnosed conditions that may be linked to radon or asbestos exposure are being encouraged to seek specialist legal advice.

Wolferstans has previously brought successful claims against the Ministry of Justice relating to asbestos exposure at the prison.

The firm is now supporting former staff regarding reported radon exposure concerns.

Early consultation may help ensure that medical history, exposure history, and potential claims are properly assessed.

Find out more

For further information, contact Wolferstans on 01752 292 212, email personalinjury@wolferstans.com, or see wolferstans.com/personal-injury-claims