Madam, – Clíona Saidléar (September 27th) writes that she is aware of the risks of radon gas but will not be testing her home for it because of her concerns about costs and disruption should she find an unacceptable level.
The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) would like to respond to these concerns. The RPII provides a radon test, by post, for €56 (prices vary from other test suppliers). Most homes tested will be found to be safe, giving homeowners peace of mind. Where unacceptable radon levels are found, the majority will have moderately high levels which can be fixed by improving the ventilation in a house. This work can be done at a low cost or indeed by a DIY enthusiast.
Fixing very high radon levels typically costs between €1,000 and €1,500 and there are a number of companies in Ireland who can do this work. It requires the creation of a sump – a small void under the house which is then piped to the outside. The work can be done from outside the house so there should be no internal disruption as suggested by your correspondent. The costs should be lower for houses built since July 1st, 1998 as they should already have a standby sump in place.
Radon gas is responsible for up to 200 lung cancer deaths each year in Ireland. It is tasteless, odourless and colourless and can only be detected by a radon test. This is why the RPII continues to encourage testing. People are becoming more aware of this issue and almost 5,000 homes have been tested this year alone. Of these, 600 have been found to have unacceptable radon levels.
The RPII advises that it is better to have your home tested, and if needs be remediated, rather than to live with an unknown level of risk. All householders should measure for radon. – Yours, etc,