Westmeath homeowners are being urged to measure their homes for the cancer causing gas, radon, by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII ). Measurements made by the RPII to date highlight that 9 per cent of homes in Westmeath exceed the acceptable level. Radon is the second biggest cause of lung cancer in Ireland and causes up to 200 deaths per year, an issue highlighted at yesterday’s National Radon Forum in Dublin.
The RPII has measured almost 490 houses in Westmeath and on average 9 per cent of these have been found to exceed the acceptable level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3 ). The maximum level found in a home in Westmeath is almost 700 Bq/m3 which is equivalent to the radiation dose from 2 chest X-rays per day.
A radon map of county Westmeath, available on www.rpii.ie, shows that areas north of Castlepollard and east of Kilbeggan are particularly affected, with over 20 per cent of dwellings predicted to have radon levels exceeding 200 Bq/m3. A number of other areas around Castlepollard, Moate, and to the west of Mullingar are also identified as ‘high radon areas’, with over 10 per cent of houses in the bracket.
According to Dr Ann McGarry, chief executive of the RPII, it is relatively easy for homeowners to reduce their health risk from exposure to radon gas. “A simple measurement test can identify the level of gas in the home and if high levels are found then it is relatively cheap to fix the problem. I would urge members of the public to measure their home for radon immediately,” she warns.
At yesterday’s radon forum, the World Health Organisation (WHO ) recommended the new multi-agency approach used recently in Cork to address the health risk from radon gas. This new approach requires local authorities, the HSE, and the RPII to work closely together to measure radon gas levels, assess health risks, advise on how to reduce radon levels, and implement required changes.
Speaking about the approach showcased in Cork, Dr Ferid Shannoun, co-ordinator of the WHO’s International Radon Project, said is was exactly the type of best practice recommended by the WHO. “We are convinced that in any country no one agency is equipped to effectively tackle the problem. This is particularly the case in a country like Ireland that has such high radon levels.”
According to a WHO survey of the highest average radon gas levels in homes, Ireland has the sixth highest radon levels in the world, with over 91,000 homes with radon concentrations over the national reference level.
Following the discovery of high levels of radon gas in the north Cork area, Cork County Council and Mallow Town Council measured their housing stock. Where high radon gas levels were found, the HSE and RPII worked closely with Cork County Council to assess the health risk to residents and advised on how to reduce the radon levels. The council has already remediated those homes with very high radon levels and is implementing an ongoing programme of remediation in all local authority houses found to be above the national reference level.
Detailed information on radon and its risks, including information on how to get your home or workplace tested for radon is available on the RPII’s website www.rpii.ie or on freefone 1800 300 600.
High Radon Areas in Westmeath are shown on a map available at www.rpii.ie/radon/maps/westmeath html.
