Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 848: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if any studies have been done into radon gas levels in homes, schools or workplaces in County Kildare, with particular reference to the possible link to various forms of cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22796/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Studies have not been carried out in Ireland on the possible link between levels of radon gas in homes, schools or workplaces and various forms of cancer.

Epidemiological studies have shown that naturally occurring radon gas concentrations add to the incidence of lung cancer. There is evidence to suggest that long-term exposure to high levels of radon can be a contributory factor in increasing the risk of lung cancer and that the incidence is higher among smokers than non-smokers. However, it is not possible to attribute any one case of lung cancer to radon exposure. Therefore, it is currently not possible to distinguish the impact of radon gas in any particular area from the impact of other carcinogenic substances that may also be present, most notably tobacco smoke.

To date, the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, RPII, has carried out 776 radon measurements in homes in County Kildare. Of these, 41 were found to be above the national reference level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre, with the highest level being 1,114 becquerels per cubic metre. As part of a nationwide survey of schools carried out at the request of the Department of Education and Science in the period 1998 to 2001, the RPII measured radon gas levels in 126 schools in the county. Of these, 24 schools had radon levels above the national reference level in at least one room. The Department of Education and Science has provided funding for remedial measures in all schools affected. The RPII has also carried out radon measurement in 12 workplaces in Kildare. One of these workplaces was found to have radon levels above the national reference level of 400 becquerels per cubic metre for workplaces. I should mention that as the RPII is not the only organisation carrying out a radon measurement service, the actual number of workplaces that have been measured may be greater.