Written answers

Wednesday, 18 May 2005

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Radon Gas Levels

9:00 pm

Photo of Shane McEnteeShane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 84: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce free testing for radon gas in areas of high radon (details supplied). [16460/05]

Photo of Paul GogartyPaul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 177: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make available funding to the Radiological Protection Institute for the provision of free radiation monitoring in homes in high risk areas. [16509/05]

Photo of Dick RocheDick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 177 together.

The Government, for many years, and largely through the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, RPII, has committed significant resources to assessing the extent of the radon problem throughout the country and to increasing public awareness of radon.

The RPII has consistently advised on the health risks of exposure to radon gas and has actively encouraged those householders residing in high radon areas to use radon measuring kits which can be obtained for approximately €40 to establish radon levels in their homes. It is not envisaged that this modestly costed service should be subsidised from public funds. Where measurements are found to exceed the national reference level, it is recommended that householders carry out any necessary remediation measures.

In addition, through press releases and radio and television interviews, and through its published reports on radon, the institute has been promoting public awareness of radon and highlighting the risks associated with exposure to it. It has been encouraging householders, particularly those in high radon areas, to have their homes tested for radon and to undertake radon remediation works where necessary.

For example, during the years 1992 to 1999, the institute carried out a nationwide survey of radon in domestic dwellings. The survey involved the measurement by the institute of radon for a 12 month period in a random selection of homes throughout the country. In all, over 11,000 houses were measured. The institute's website, www.rpii.ie, contains a comprehensive map of the high radon areas in Ireland identified as a result of the nationwide survey as well as the report of the survey. High radon areas are areas where the institute estimates that more than 10% of the houses surveyed in a particular area have radon concentrations levels above the national reference level.

Actions taken by my Department also contribute to the information available on radon. In February 2002, my Department published a booklet entitled Radon in Existing Buildings — Corrective Options advising designers, builders and home owners on remediation options for reducing radon in existing houses to, or below, the national reference level.

Recently, the RPII has undertaken several initiatives to further heighten public awareness of the radon issue. In November 2004, it hosted the third National Radon Forum in Dublin to raise awareness of radon as a health risk. That same month, it published a booklet entitled Understanding Radon — A Householder's Guide. That guide is directed at householders who have been informed that they have radon concentration levels above the national reference level in their homes. The aim of the guide is to assist such householders in interpreting their radon measurement results and in deciding how to deal with the problem. The institute also plans to distribute an information poster on radon for display in libraries, medical centres, etc., advising people to have their homes checked for radon. It has also just begun a new radon awareness campaign which will involve a series of nationwide public information seminars on the dangers of radon and which will be targeted at selected high radon areas. The fourth National Radon Forum will also be held in Tralee in October.

Both the RPII and my Department will continue to use all appropriate opportunities to raise public awareness on this issue. I urge householders who may be affected by this issue to make the small investment required, take the necessary steps to check their homes for radon concentrations, and carry out whatever work may be needed thereafter.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.