Thrity two homes in Kilkenny have been found to have high levels of cancer-causing radon gas in the past nine months, according to figures released yesterday (Thursday ) by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII ).
Nationally, radon is the second biggest cause of lung cancer after smoking and is directly linked to about 200 lung cancer deaths each year.
A record number of homes (more than 800 ) from across the country have been identified as having high levels of radon in the last nine months.
Among the findings is a home in north Kerry with levels 185 times the acceptable level which is amongst the highest ever found in a European house.
In Kilkenny, a total of 210 homes were measured by the RPII for radon gas between September 1 2010 and June 1 2011. Of these, 32 were above the acceptable level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3 ).
Mr David Fenton, Senior Scientist at the RPII said: “The high levels are a cause for concern as radon causes lung cancer and for those with homes that have high levels, testing is the first step towards making your home safe.”
Five homes had more than four times the acceptable level with readings in excess of 800 Bq/m3 and were found in: Waterford city (one ), Inistioge (one ), Mooncoin (one ) and Mullinavat (two ).
The remaining 27 results had readings of between 200 and 800 Bq/m3 and were found throughout the county: Borris (two ), Carrigeen (one ), Gowran (one ), Graiguenamanagh (one ), Inistioge (two ), Kilkenny city (four ), Kilmacow (six ), Mooncoin (one ), Mullinavat (two ), Piltown (one ), Slieverue (one ) and Waterford city (five ).
Commenting on the findings, Mr Fenton said, “these figures show that Kilkenny has a significant radon problem. Based on the National Radon Survey, we predict that there are hundreds more homes across the county with high levels of radon gas. To date, only a very small proportion of these homes have been identified. 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.”
The RPII and a number of private companies provide a radon measurement service. The cost of a measurement is around €50.
An interactive map is available on the RPII’s website (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.
