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LARGE AREAS OF the west of Ireland have been found to contain potentially dangerous levels of the naturally occurring gas radon.
The latest findings from the Tellus programme showed that some areas of east Galway in particular were ‘hotspots’ for potential build-ups of the gas, which has been linked to the development of lung cancer.
The study showed that there were “extensive areas of fractured limestone” which can be exploited by naturally occurring radon gas leading to large accumulations of the gas within soil.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas with no colour, taste or smell which can increase the risk of developing lung cancer. Up to 250 radon-related lung cancer cases are diagnosed in Ireland each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
According to the Department of the Environment, radon quickly dilutes to harmless concentrations but the gas can accumulate to unacceptably high concentrations within an enclosed space, including a house, if not detected.
It is this accumulation which can pose a threat to health. Using the data, the Tellus Programme is working alongside the EPA to further improve understanding of the distribution of radon gas to update maps and guidance for communities, planners.
Junior Minister Sean Kyne TD welcomed the data from the Tellus programme and said the data confirms the EPA’s message that parts of Galway are at high risk from radon. Up to 250 radon-related lung cancer are diagnosed in Ireland each year.
He said: “The detailed data about the radon distribution in this area is a significant output from Tellus and will help better identify areas that are naturally more prone to this easily prevented risk. More information on the risks of radon exposure, including advice on how to prevent and reduce radon levels in homes and buildings can be found on the EPA’s website www.radon.ie.”
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More people in Ireland die from cancer caused by radon than traffic accidents, each year. You can test your house for €50. Meanwhile in the dail they waste time and money debating whether one should get an automatic ban or not for being slightly over the drink drive limit.
My point being, by conducting a nationwide testing of all residencies in Ireland the government could identify all risk persons from radon. For households identified as being at risk both short term and ultimately long term mitigation measures could be put in that would save approximately 240 lives a year. Short term would be simple venting, long term would be installation of radon barriers.
The impact of this simple plan would be the same as we eradicated all road deaths. Less people would die of cancer, or have to undergo painful and expensive treatment and families would avoid having to experience the loss of a loved one. But instead the Government and the media are caught up in tweaking drink driving laws that will at best save 80 people (assuming alcohol is a factor in 30% of road deaths).
Quite simply if you could do something in a year that would save 240 lives a year , every year, versus a plan that would save at the absolute max 80 lives per year, which one should you prioritize?
You can test your house for €40.
Exactly test your own bloody house and don’t ever drink and drive – problem solved
Radon escaping through your home can be mitigated, but it’s cheaper to do at the construction stage. The engineer in the first US radon case, Stanley Watras, still lives in his house. Mainly because no one else will buy it. They keep a window open even in winter. https://www.google.ie/amp/www.the-scientist.com/%3Farticles.amp/articleNo/12171/title/Radon-Research-Typifies-Challenges-Facing-Risk-Assessment/
Better lock up the windows and close the blinds! I’m sure the Galway people are used to the smell of silage at this stage
It’s the opposite … it builds up indoors, you’ve got to vent it out … preferably with a radon sump…
@Gary O’neill: Where do you think Galway is???
@Banana Rama: Inappropriate, obnoxious comment. Hopefully more will install a ‘Radon detector’ and test the batteries. Checked the ‘father-in-laws at Christmas, there was no battery in it…he exclaimed “Oh I needed the battery for the Sky controls months ago…..”
@Gary O’Neil: comment meant for you NOT Banana Rama. Apologies Banana Rama
What’s a sump :P
@Banana Rama: In Galway
Paul, are you mistaking it with a carbon monoxide alarm? The radon detector is an alpha track detector and doesn’t use batteries. You send it back to the company you bought it from and they’ll count the tracks on the foil.
@Gary: Yep – Thanks Gary
@Mrs M: I think it’s the large bump measured from the bellybutton down that obese people have. “Look at the sump on that”
Seriously. every house in Ireland should be offered test kits to test for Radon. It is a simple test for a silent killer
So… is this the next big money making venture for the Governments buddies . Radon testing . Watch the space
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