The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) has carried out an extensive national survey of household radon levels to help identify areas that might be at risk.
Many counties including Louth, Galway, Kerry, Wicklow and Clare are now known to have regions where radon gas levels can build up in homes.
The institute estimates that one in 10 lung cancer deaths here of the annual 1,500 to 2,000 fatal cases could be attributed to radon exposure. The risk increases dramatically if a person living in a home with high radon levels is also a smoker.
The lung damage associated with radon occurs over long periods and not over short-term exposure. Tissues are harmed when the gas is breathed in and in turn breaks down further into other radioactive substances. These give off radiation right next to lung cells, increasing the chance of a cell mutation leading to cancer.
Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive gas that seeps from the ground. It occurs naturally when uranium in the ground decays over time.
Newer homes are now fitted with plastic sheeting to prevent radon buildup. It is also possible to install fans and improve ventilation to reduce radon levels.
[ www.rpii.ie ]
Dick Ahlstrom