More houses with high radon levels are found

RADON checks in Galway have found homes showing more than four times the acceptable level of the cancer-causing gas. A recent study has found that nearly a quarter of Galway homes have high levels of radon with one house in Castlegar having 18 times the acceptable norm. [private] The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) tests found that homes in other parts of the county including Claregalway, Athenry, Corrandulla, Tuam, Headford, Turloughmore and Monivea had readings above and up to four times the acceptable level. In Galway, 200 tests for radon gas were completed in homes between June 1 and December 31, 2011. Of these, 46 were above the acceptable level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3). It has been well established that Galway has a significant radon problem however the RPII believes that only a small proportion of the affected homes have been identified. David Fenton, Senior Scientist at the RPII warns that exposure to high radon levels causes lung cancer and many people are unknowingly living with very high levels in their homes. 'The only way people will know if it is in their homes is by testing,' he advised. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that originates from the decay of uranium in rocks and soils. It has no smell, colour or taste and can only be detected using special detectors. Outdoors, radon quickly dilutes to harmless concentrations but when it enters an enclosed space, such as a house or other building, it can accumulate to unacceptably high concentrations. This gives rise to a radiation dose, which may cause lung cancer. To test for radon, one radon detector is placed in a bedroom and a second in a living room for a three-month period. The detectors are sent and returned by post for analysis. The RPII and a number of private companies provide a radon measurement service. The cost of a measurement is around €50. If a moderate radon level is found, improving indoor ventilation may reduce the level by up to half, the cost of which is low. For higher levels, a fan- assisted sump can be installed, which can reduce radon levels by over 90 per cent. An interactive map is available on www.rpii.ie so that anyone can search for their address or nearest town to see whether their home or workplace is in a high radon area. Information can also be obtained by phoning Freefone 1800 300 600. [/private]