Dangerous radon levels in homes

A home in Newmarket-on-Fergus and one in Ennis had more than five times the acceptable level of cancer-causing radon gas, tests carried out in the past six months have revealed.

Twenty-two homes in Clare have been found to have high levels of radon, according to figures released this week by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII), an independent public body under the aegis of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. 
Over 300 homes from across the country have been identified by the RPII as having high levels of radon in the last seven months. Nationally, radon is the second-biggest cause of lung cancer after smoking and is directly linked to up to 200 lung cancer deaths each year.
In Clare, 367 tests for radon gas were completed in homes between June 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011. Of these, 22 were above the acceptable level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3).
Two homes in Newmarket-on-Fergus and Ennis had more than five times the acceptable level, with readings in excess of 1000 Bq/m3. The remaining 20 homes had readings above the acceptable level and were found in Ennis (11), Clarecastle (2), Sixmilebridge (2), Ballymurtagh (1), Kilkishen (1), Killaloe (1), Newmarket-on-Fergus (1) and Ruan (1).
Independent Shannon-based councillor, Patricia McCarthy is urging people in Newmarket-on-Fergus and across the county to check their homes for radon.
“I think some people are not doing it due to an element of fear. People don’t want to know, maybe. There are very few houses that haven’t been touched by cancer and people know radon causes cancer and perhaps they are afraid that radon will be found. Another reason people might be reluctant to get the test done is that they don’t realise what work is involved in remedying the situation. They might think they have to leave the house, which usually isn’t the case, and they might be thinking of the costs associated with it as well. Then again, if it was detected, perhaps some people would be afraid to stay in the house,” Councillor McCarthy said.
“I would really encourage people to check for radon. I think we all have to be vigilant and if this is something that can be detected and corrected, it is in all our interests to have our homes checked out,” she continued.
Commenting on the findings, David Fenton, senior scientist at the RPII said, “These figures show that Clare has a significant radon problem. Our research indicates 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.”
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%. The sump can be installed in a day by a contractor with little disruption to the home. The average cost of this work is €1,100, with annual running costs of approximately €90. Information can also be obtained by phoning Freefone 1800 300600.