NEARLY 600 homes have been found to have high levels of cancer-causing radon gas so far this year.This is the highest number identified in any period since the national radon measurement programme began, according to the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland.
Radon is the second-biggest cause of lung cancer after smoking, and is linked to up to 200 lung cancer deaths each year in Ireland. The rise in the number of homes identified is attributed in part to the fact that more houses have been measured this year than ever before.
A total of 4,296 homes were measured by the institute for radon gas between January 1st and August 30th. Of these, 597 were above the acceptable level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3).
Six homes in Lisdoonvarna, Clonmel, Ballymote and Tralee were found to have more than 10 times the acceptable level, with measurements between 2,000 and 3,500 Bq/m3.
The radiation dose to the occupants of the homes with the highest radon levels were equivalent to receiving 4,375 chest X-rays per year, or 12 per day.
The institute said it was working closely with these householders to ensure successful remediation of their homes to reduce the radon levels and the risk to their health.
Fifty-eight homes measured had radon levels of between 800 and 2,000 Bq/m3, and were found in Galway, Sligo, Kerry, Cork, Mayo, Waterford, Carlow, Clare, Tipperary, Kilkenny, Wexford and Wicklow.
The remaining 533 results had readings of between 200 and 800 Bq/m3 and were found throughout the country.
“These figures show us that thousands of families throughout the country are unknowingly living with very high concentrations of radon gas and therefore they have no idea that they are at increased risk of developing lung cancer,” said the institute’s chief executive Ann McGarry.
“Homeowners need to take this matter seriously and measure radon levels in their home. It doesn’t matter if you live in a new or old house, in a high or low radon risk area, or even if your home already has a radon barrier. The only way to make sure that you and your family are not at risk is to test,” Dr McGarry added.
Labour Party environment spokeswoman Joanna Tuffy said every assistance possible should be made available to people who wanted to take steps to address the problem in their home.
