Tests on homes in Co Kerry have revealed one of the highest incidents of the cancer-causing gas radon ever recorded.
The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) conducted the survey around Castleisland after a house in the Co Kerry town was found to have radon concentrations nearly 50 times above the safety level.
One of the occupants has died from lung cancer since the discovery in July last year and the other is being treated for the disease. Radon is the second most common cause of lung cancer after smoking.
The RPII follow up-survey released today identified 52 homes, or 14 per cent of those sampled, with concentrations above a safe level. Ninety local authority homes were also tested, but all were found to be safe.
Of the 52 homes with high radon levels, six had concentrations above 1,000 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3). One house produced a reading of 6,184 Bq/m3 - the third-highest concentration recorded in Ireland. However, it was well below 49,000 Bq/m3 identified in July - the world record for radon concentration in a house.
Dr Tony Colgan of the RPII said: "It is clear from this survey that the potential exists for the accumulation of high radon concentrations in buildings in the areas around Castleisland and the adjacent town of Tralee."
He urged all to owners of premises in the area to have radon measurements carried out.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas which is colourless, odourless and tasteless and can only be measured using specialised equipment.
Labour Party spokesperson on nuclear safety, Mr Emmet Stagg, said the Government should restore the Remediation Grants Scheme to help householders pay for measures to protect their homes.
"Despite repeated, periodic instances of excessive levels in homes the length and breadth of the country, and 200 lung cancer deaths every year attributed to the gas, still nothing is being done to combat radon in Irish homes," he said.