HOMEOWNERS in Donegal
including Inishowen are being urged to have their
homes tested for the cancer-causing gas, radon.
The advice comes from the Radiological Protection
Institute of Ireland (RPII) whose research shows
that over 5 per cent of homes in Donegal exceed
acceptable levels. Radon is the second biggest cause
of lung cancer in Ireland and causes up to 200
deaths per year.
The RPII measured just over 1000 houses in County
Donegal and, on average, 5 per cent of these had
been found to exceed the acceptable level of 200
becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3). The maximum
level found in a home in Donegal was over 500 Bq/m3
which is equivalent to the radiation dose from two
chest X-rays per day. |
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RPII chief executive
Dr. Ann McGarry explained: “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. |
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I would urge members of
the public to measure their home for radon
immediately.”
To test your home, two radon detectors must be
purchased from the RPII at a cost of €56. One is
placed in a bedroom and the other in a living room
for no less than three months. They are then sent
back to the RPII for analysis. 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 rpii.ie or on
freefone 1800 300 600. |
