A house in Co Kerry has recorded some of the highest concentrations of the cancer-causing radioactive gas radon ever found in Europe.
The house, in the Castleisland area, had an average radon concentration of 37,000 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3), 185 times the acceptable level of 200 Bq/m3 for the gas.
In 2003, another house a kilometres away recorded the highest ever reading for an Irish dwelling of 49,000 Bq/m3.
Radon occurs naturally from the decay of uranium in rocks and soils. Although it dilutes quickly outdoors in an enclosed space the class-1 carcinogen can accumulate to high concentrations and increase the risk of lung cancer.
It is the second biggest cause of the cancer after smoking and is directly linked to about 200 deaths each year in Ireland.
The odourless, colourless, tasteless gas can only be detected using special detectors.
Figures released today by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) show the gas has been found at high levels in a record number of homes across the country.
Almost 5,000 homes were tested in the nine-month period between September 1st 2010 and June 1st this year with over 800 of those recording a high level of the gas.
Some 18 house were found to have levels ten times the acceptable limit. These were located in Sligo (3), Tipperary (2), Galway (2), Cork (2), Wexford (2), Carlow (3), Donegal (1), Kerry (2), and Waterford (1).
A further 93 homes were between 4 and 10 times the safe limit, while another 700 were up to four times the acceptable level.
Chief executive of the RPII Dr Ann McGarry said the figures show there is a significant radon problem in the country with the issue going unidentified in thousands of homes.
“Exposure to high radon levels causes lung cancer and many people are unknowingly living with very high levels in their homes,” Dr McGarry said. “The only way people will know if it is in their homes is by testing."
To test for a radon in a house two special detectors are installed, one in a bedroom and the other in a living room, for a three-month period at a cost of about €50. Moderate levels of the gas can be reduced by improving indoor ventilation. For higher levels, a fan assisted sump costing up to €1,100 can be installed to reduce the gas concentration by over 90 per cent.
An interactive map showing radon levels throughout the country is available on the RPII’s website rpii.ie and information about the gas or getting a measurement is available on freephone 1800 300 600.
