Mayo homes have high levels of cancer-causing radon gas

20. SEP, 2010

Four homes from across Mayo have been found to have high levels of cancer-causing radon gas so far this year.

Cllr Therese Ruane, Deputy Mayor of Castlebar: A cohesive national strategy is needed to tackle radon gas problem.

The homes had radon levels of between 800 and 2000 Bq/m3- above above the acceptable level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3).

The figures have been released by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII).

Radon is the second biggest cause of lung cancer after smoking and is linked to 150 to 200 lung cancer deaths each year in Ireland.

Speaking after the publication of findings , Sinn Féin Councillor Thérèse Ruane, said that more needs to be done to raise awareness of the dangers of radon and called on the Government to initiate the testing of all homes in the state for the presence of secret killer.

Cllr Ruane said: “The findings of the survey clearly show that much more needs to be done to raise awareness of the dangers of radon. Radon second biggest cause of lung cancer in Ireland after smoking and is linked to up to 200 deaths each year.The gas is colourless, odourless and tasteless and when it builds up under a house, seeps through the rooms, it can be lethal because it’s radioactive.

“The findings found in 600 of the 4296 homes tested this year between January and August. This is the largest number since the national detection programme began. People living in the house with the highest levels were receiving radiation dose equivalent to 4,375 chest X-rays per year or 12 chest X-rays per day, the Deputy Mayor of Castlebar continued.

“A cohesive national strategy is needed to tackle this problem. The RPII have stated that the only proper precaution for any home is to ensure it is tested for radon after it has been occupied. At a National Radon Forum, held in Dublin last year, the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) estimated that at the current rate at which houses are being tested, testing of the State’s current housing stock would not be finished for four centuries.”

“This is not good enough and I am calling on the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley, to sanction and resource the testing of all homes in the state for the presence of Radon,” added Cllr Ruane.

Radon Detectors

Measuring for radon and, in the event of a high reading, reducing the levels present are both relatively inexpensive.

To test for radon, one radon detector is placed in a bedroom and a second in a living room. The detectors are small and are sent and returned by post. There is no need for anyone to visit your home to make the test. The RPII charge €56 (inc. VAT) for a test, prices vary from other test suppliers. Detailed information on radon, its risks, how to get your home or workplace tested and how to reduce high levels is available on the RPII’s website www.rpii.ie or on Freefone 1800 300 600