Forty five homes in Galway found with high levels of cancer-causing radon gas

Seven homes had readings of more than four times the acceptable level

Radon test kits.

Twenty three per cent of Galway homes recently tested for radon were found to have high levels of the cancer-causing gas according to figures released today by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII).

Over 300 homes from across the country have been identified by the RPII as having high levels of radon in the last seven months. Nationally, radon is the second biggest cause of lung cancer after smoking and is directly linked to up to 200 lung cancer deaths each year.

In Galway, 200 tests for radon gas were completed in homes between June 1 2011 and December 31 2011. Of these, 46 were above the acceptable level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3).

Among the findings is a home in the Castelgar area of Galway, reported by the RPII last October, with levels more than 18 times the acceptable level. Six homes had more than four times the acceptable level with readings in excess of 800 Bq/m3 and were found in: Claregalway (3), Oughterard (2) and Castlegar (1).

The remaining 39 homes had readings above and up to four times the acceptable level and were found throughout the county: Athenry (1), Ballyburke (1), Castlegar (2), Claregalway (3), Clarinbridge (1), Corrandulla (1), Galway City (4), Gort (2), Headford (2), Inverin (1), Mervue (1), Monivea (1), Oranmore (2), Renmore (1), Rosscahill (1), Salthill (3), Taylors Hill (2), Tuam (8) and Turloughmore (2).

Commenting on the findings Mr David Fenton, Senior Scientist at the RPII said: “These figures show that Galway has a significant radon problem. Our research indicates there are hundreds more homes across the county with high levels of radon gas. To date, only a very small proportion of these homes have been identified. Exposure to high radon levels causes lung cancer and many people are unknowingly living with very high levels in their homes. The only way people will know if it is in their homes is by testing.”

Measuring for radon and, in the event of a high reading, reducing the levels present are both easy to do. To test for radon, one radon detector is placed in a bedroom and a second in a living room for a three-month period. The detectors are sent and returned by post for analysis. The RPII and a number of private companies provide a radon measurement service. The cost of a measurement is around €50.

If a moderate radon level is found, improving indoor ventilation may reduce the level by up to half, the cost of which is low. For higher levels, a fan assisted sump can be installed which can reduce radon levels by over 90%. The sump can be installed in a day by a contractor with little disruption to the home. The typical cost of this work is €1,100 with annual running costs of approximately €90.

An interactive map is available on the RPII’s website (www.rpii.ie) so that anyone can search for their address or nearest town to see whether their home or workplace is in a High Radon Area. They can find out what they need to know about radon – what it is, why it is a problem and how they can have a measurement made. Information can also be obtained by phoning Freefone 1800 300 600.