Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to address the House on the current situation with respect to radon. I look forward to hearing the contributions of Members of Seanad Éireann as I highly value the role and expertise of this House in policy development. It is timely, too, to hear Members' opinions, given the publication earlier this year of the latest data on radiation exposure by the Irish public. Last week Ireland's sixth national radon forum brought together representatives from a wide variety of agencies with a mutual interest in radon. It is always important to view our existing policy in the context of the most recent scientific data available and to take into account the views of other key stakeholders.

In July 2008 the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, RPII, published the results of a landmark study, Radiation Doses Received by the Irish Population. This report summarised the findings of a three-year baseline study and collection of relevant data on the exposure of the Irish population to ionising radiation. This study brought together data on exposures from natural sources, such as radon as well as artificial sources such as medial exposures and discharges from nuclear power stations abroad. Inclusion of all such exposure pathways make this study the most comprehensive assessment of radiation exposure ever undertaken in this country.

The report found that natural radiation sources account for almost 86% of all radiation exposure received by the Irish population. Radon alone accounts for 56% of total exposure. By comparison artificial radiation sources, such as overseas nuclear energy facilities, account for a mere 0.4% of the total radiation dosage we receive. The report concluded that, in terms of reducing our exposure to radiation, radon is the area where the greatest impact is possible.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in variable amounts in rocks and soil. When it surfaces in the open air, it is quickly diluted. However, where it enters an enclosed space, such as an ordinary building, it can, under certain circumstances accumulate to reach unacceptably high concentration levels. Ireland's unique geology, while providing us with a beautiful and rich landscape, gives rise to radon levels that are above the international average. Ireland has the sixth highest radon levels in the world. The average indoor radon concentration in Ireland, is 89 Becquerels per cubic metre, Bq/m3, compared to just 20 Bq/m3 in the UK and a European average of 59 Bq/m3.

Radon is a known carcinogen. Long-term exposure to high radon levels presents a direct risk to human health. This makes radon a public health issue. Naturally occurring radon gas concentrations have been found to contribute to the incidence of lung cancer. The RPII estimates that 150-200 annual lung cancer deaths in Ireland are linked to radon, around 10% to 15% of all such deaths. Epidemiological studies tells us that for smokers, or former smokers, the risk from radon can be up to 25 times greater than for people who never smoked.

Everybody needs to be aware of the risks from radon and of the potential health consequences if they are exposed to high radon concentrations. This is especially true in those areas designated as high radon areas where the risk of such exposure is greater. In particular, the RPII concerns itself with hazards to health associated with ionising radiation and with radioactive contamination in the environment from natural and artificial sources.

The national survey of radon in Irish dwellings was conducted by the RPII between 1992 and 1999. This survey quantified comprehensively the likely scale of the radon problem in Irish dwellings and identified those parts of the country where high indoor radon levels are more likely to be found. Approximately 28% of the country is designated as a high radon area, where more than 10% of households are predicted to have radon concentrations above the national reference level of 200 Bq/m3. This is the threshold defined by the RPII above which it is recommended that remediation works are carried out. High radon areas are found in almost every county but are mainly concentrated in the south east and the west. From the results of the national radon survey it was estimated that approximately 7% of our total housing stock has radon levels above the national reference level.

The RPII recommends that every householder has his or her home tested for radon. The RPII as well as a number of private companies offer a radon measurement service to householders. The cost of this service varies from €40 to €90. Radon measurement is non-intrusive, involving the placing of two small, palm-sized radon detectors in the home, and it takes three months to complete.

Part C of the Building Regulations 1997, Site Preparation and Moisture Resistance, require all new buildings, including new houses, constructed on or after 1 July 1998 to incorporate radon protection measures at the time of construction. The measures are as follows, for high radon areas, the installation of a radon proof membrane and stand-by radon sump in the foundations and for other areas, the installation of a stand-by radon sump only. It is recognised internationally that a radon barrier will not always be effective in preventing radon concentrations in new buildings above the national reference level. That is why new dwellings in high radon areas must also be fitted with a stand-by sump. Those radon prevention measures were in advance of building code requirements in many EU member states.

In October 2004, my Department published enhanced technical guidance on radon prevention in new buildings commencing construction on or after 1 April 2005 aimed at strengthening the 1997 provisions. This enhanced guidance strongly recommends that the householder measures radon soon after occupying the house. Such a measurement is the best way of ensuring that the required preventative measures are working correctly. Since 1998 more than half a million new homes have been constructed. It is most encouraging that these homes have radon protective measures in place from the outset.

Since May 2000, exposure to natural radiation sources in the workplace has been governed by the Radiological Protection Act 1991 (Ionising Radiation) Order 2000. This order sets a national reference level for radon gas in the workplace of 400 Bq/m3. In accordance with the order, an employer or self-employed person is required to measure radon levels in his or her workplace on being directed to do so by the RPII. To assess the risk from radon, the Health and Safety Authority has stated that all indoor workplaces in high radon areas must have radon measurements carried out.

In 1998 the Department of Education and Science commissioned the RPII to conduct a survey of radon levels in all primary and post-primary schools. In addition, in June 2001 a circular issued to all boards of management informing them of the Department's initiative and advising schools on the course of action necessary for radon mitigation. Schools with levels above 400 Bq/m3 were advised to secure the services of a suitably qualified consultant architect-engineer to carry out all necessary remedial works which are fully funded by the Department of Education and Science. Radon barriers are included in the design of all new school building projects. It was also recommended that a copy of the results be filed in each school's health and safety manual for future reference.

In 2004 the State Claims Agency, SCA, wrote to each Department to request that they undertake radon measurements in their premises. Up to 1 March 2006 measurements were made in 241 premises throughout the country. That is the majority of the workplaces measured on foot of the recommendation made by the SCA. Remediation measures have been undertaken where appropriate.

Proven, effective remediation techniques exist to reduce indoor radon concentrations at reasonable cost. The most common remediation techniques include under-floor ventilation, positive pressurisation, increased indoor ventilation and the sealing of cracks and gaps in the floor and around service entry points. The RPII can provide advice to householders and employers on the need for radon remediation and can give information on commonly used radon remediation techniques. There is nothing complex about these techniques and the majority involve relatively simple building work.

The scheme of housing aid for older people is already available to assist older people, generally over 60 years of age, to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out to their homes. Where a suite of works is being grant-aided under this scheme, local authorities may also, as part of the package of works, assist with the provision of radon remediation works, where applicable.

Last week, on Thursday, 6 November, I had the privilege of opening Ireland's Sixth National Radon Forum in the Royal College of Physicians. The theme of the forum was "How agencies can work together to assess, communicate and fix radon problems." The aim of the forum, in addition to raising public awareness, was to provide the opportunity for those with an interest in radon to meet and discuss issues of mutual interest. These included radon measurement companies, remediation companies, researchers, legislators, representatives of national agencies with responsibility for building standards, health and safety experts and the public. The centrepiece of the forum was a case study presentation by speakers from the RPII, Cork County Council and the Health Service Executive based upon a successful exercise earlier this year in north Cork. These three separate agencies came together to identify homes at risk from radon in north Cork and to take corrective action.

In September 2007 an office in the premises of The Corkman newspaper was found to have the second highest level of radon gas ever found in Ireland and the highest ever found in a workplace. The level detected was over 60 times higher than the acceptable limit and it is estimated that working eight hours a day in the office would be equivalent to receiving 39 chest X-rays per day or nearly 10,000 chest X-rays in a working year. In this case, the office in question was largely unoccupied and, on that basis, the employees would not have received such high radiation doses. On being told by the RPII of the high levels present in the office, the employer took immediate action to fix the problem.

The RPII subsequently organised a meeting of relevant organisations, including my Department, the HSE and Cork County Council, to discuss this incident and to explore the possibility of having a defined response to such incidents in the future. At this meeting Cork County Council announced its intention of measuring local authority homes around north Cork for radon. Subsequent meetings were held between the RPII, the HSE and Cork County Council which came together to share information and to assess and communicate radon risks to tenants. This co-operation was vital in reassuring those affected and in ensuring that all relevant information was made available to tenants.

The 600 homes identified as being most at risk from radon, located mostly around Mallow and Fermoy, have been tested. Remediation works have been completed in the 26 homes worst affected where radon levels exceed 800 Bq/m3. Additional remediation works are ongoing in remaining homes that were found to have radon levels above the national reference level.

The issue of high radon concentrations in local authority houses continues to be a matter of concern for my Department and a working group involving officials from my Department, local authorities and the RPII has recently been set up to provide clear guidance for local authorities on addressing this issue. It should be noted that a number of authorities are already taking action in this regard and it is our intention to build on their, and the RPII's, experience in this area. I understand that the group intends to finalise the guidance in the coming months.

The World Health Organisation reports that radon is linked to up to 170,000 lung cancer cases in the world each year. In 2005 the WHO established the international radon project, the aim of which is to identify effective strategies for reducing the health impact of radon. This project comprised a network of key partner agencies brought together by the WHO in 40 member states to examine the public health aspects of radon exposure. This project enjoys high priority within the WHO's Department of Public Health and Environment and is part-funded by the Irish Government. The international radon project raises awareness among the public, as well as among politicians, of the hazards of radon and promotes the development of co-ordinated programmes at national level to reduce the health impact from exposure to radon in WHO member states. Ireland plays a leading role in the international radon project, contributing both important scientific and practical input.

Dr. Ferid Shannoun, co-ordinator of the international radon project, addressed Ireland's national radon forum last week and endorsed the multi-agency approach to radon being adopted by Ireland. The WHO is expected to publish its international radon handbook in early 2009. This important publication, the culmination of many years' work and international co-operation, will provide guidelines for future radon remediation efforts in WHO member states. I am proud of the constructive contribution Ireland has made in its development.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government plays a key role, and will continue to play a key role, in implementing national policy on radon, not only as the parent Department of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland but also through its role in drafting building regulations and providing technical guidance on radon remediation solutions. Reducing radon health effects requires long-term commitment at local, national and global level. This can best be achieved by concentrating resources through an inter-agency approach and my Department will continue to work with other key stakeholders in this regard.

It is worth reiterating the key conclusion of the report, Radiation Doses Received by the Irish Population. In reducing our exposure to radiation, radon is the area where the greatest impact is possible. I look forward to hearing the contributions of individual Senators and, once again, I thank you, a Chathaoirligh, for the opportunity of addressing the House on this important subject.