Radon gas problem is highlighted in survey
20% OF HOMES EXCEED RECOMMENDED LEVELS
ONE ENNISCORTHY house has been found to have nine times the acceptable level of the cancer causing gas radon. And the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) has found the one in every five Wexford homes tested exceeded the recommended level of the gas.
Radon is rated number two behind smoking on the list of causes of lung cancer. The RPII tested the atmosphere in 74 Wexford homes in the seven months to the end of last December. Of these, 16 were found to be above the acceptable level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3).
One home in Enniscorthy had more than nine times the acceptable level with a reading in excess of 1800 Bq/m3, while the others on the danger list all returned readings less than 800 (Bq/m3). The radon problems came to light in Enniscorthy (6), New Ross (4), Gorey (3), Adamstown (1), Bunclody (1) and Foulksmills (1).
RPII senior scientist David Fenton commented: ' These figures show that Wexford 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.'
As the potentially lethal gas is invisible and odourless, he pointed out that the only way for householders to find out if radon poses a threat is to have a test carried out. The process of measurement takes three months of monitoring and costs around €50.
Where a problem is revealed, a programme of improved ventilation and a device known as a radon sump are prescribed. Information can also be obtained by phoning Freefone 1800 300 600.
- DAVID MEDCALF
