High radon levels in 45 Clare homes

FORTY-five homes in Clare have been found to have high levels of cancer-causing radon gas in the past nine months, according to figures released by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII).

The vast majority of these homes were in Ennis, with 10 Ennis homes showing four times the acceptable level and a further 21 Ennis homes showing higher than acceptable levels.
Nationally, radon is the second biggest cause of lung cancer after smoking and is directly linked to about 200 lung cancer deaths each year. Members of the public are being urged to test for the gas in their homes.
In Clare, a total of 241 homes were measured by the RPII for radon gas between September 1 2010 and June 1 2011. Of these, 45 were above the acceptable level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3).
David Fenton, senior scientist at the RPII, said, “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.”
In total, 14 Clare homes had more than four times the acceptable level with readings in excess of 800Bq/m3 and up to 1,800Bq/m3. Ten of these homes were in Ennis, one in Clarecastle, another in Corofin, one in Newmarket-On-Fergus and one in Quin.
The remaining 31 results had readings of between 200 and 800Bq/m3 and were found throughout the county. There was one home in Ballynacally, another in Ballyvaughan, one home in Clarecastle, two in Clonlara, 21 in Ennis, two in Kilfenora, one in Lisdoonvarna and two houses in Quin.
Commenting on the findings, Mr Fenton said, “These figures show Clare has a significant radon problem. Based on the National Radon Survey, we predict 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.”
Measuring for radon and, in the event of a high reading, reducing the levels present is easy to do. 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 can be sent and returned by post for analysis.  The RPII and a number of private companies provide a radon measurement service and 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 doing this 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, with little disruption to the home. The average cost of this work is €1,100, with annual running costs of approximately €90.
An interactive map is available on the RPII’s website at www.rpii.ie so anyone can search for their address or nearest town to see whether their home or workplace is in a high radon area. They can also find out more about radon.
Information can also be obtained by calling Freefone 1800 300600.