High levels of cancer-causing gas in 3% of Offaly homes

Some 3% of homes in Offaly have radon levels in excess of the acceptable level, it was revealed last week, with areas around Tubber, Shannonbridge and north Offaly worst affected. The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) released the figures last week and called on Offaly homeowners to measure their homes for the gas. Radon is the second biggest cause of lung cancer in Ireland and causes up to 200 deaths per year, an issue highlighted at last week"s National Radon Forum in Dublin. Chief Executive of the RPII Dr Ann McGarry said: '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. I would urge members of the public to measure their home for radon immediately.' The RPII has measured just over 400 houses in Offaly and on average 3% of these have been found to exceed the acceptable level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3). The maximum level found in a home in Offaly is almost 500 Bq/m3 which is equivalent to the radiation dose from 2 chest X-rays per day. At the Forum the World Health Organisation (WHO) called for a multi-agency approach to address the health risk from radon gas, as used in Cork recently. The new approach was supported by Mícheál Kitt, Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The strategy requires local authorities, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) to work closely together to measure radon gas levels, assess health risks, advise on how to reduce radon levels and implement required changes. Ireland has the sixth highest radon levels in the world, according to a WHO survey of the highest average radon gas levels in homes. The highest is Finland and the lowest is Japan.