Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 547: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the locations throughout the country in respect of which unacceptable levels of radon gas has been identified in dwellings or workplaces; if information has been sought regarding the impact on the health of the communities involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36973/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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During the years 1992-99, the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, RPII, carried out a nationwide survey of radon gas in domestic dwellings. The survey involved the measurement of radon for a 12-month period in a random selection of homes in each 10 km by 10 km grid square throughout the country. The results of the survey were used to predict the percentage of houses in each grid square with radon concentrations in excess of 200 Becquerels per cubic metre, Bq/m3, which is the national reference level in respect of houses. Grid squares where this percentage is greater than 10% are designated as high radon areas and such grid squares exist in every county. While the national radon survey was confined to domestic dwellings only, it is reasonable to expect that workplaces would also be at risk of exceeding the relevant reference level, particularly in high radon areas. Employers would be well advised to carry out surveys in these circumstances in the interests of health and safety. The RPII's website, www.rpii.ie, contains a comprehensive map which shows the location of high radon areas throughout the country. County radon maps and survey results can be viewed also on that website by clicking on the county by name.

Epidemiological studies provide evidence that long-term exposure to high levels of radon increases the risk of lung cancer and that this risk is higher for smokers than non-smokers. The RPII estimates that about 200 lung cancer deaths annually in this country are linked to radon. In September this year, the RPII and the National Cancer Registry of Ireland issued a press release which pointed out that on the basis of a recent Europe-wide survey of the health risks of radon, smokers are 25 times more likely than non-smokers to develop lung cancer due to radon. Furthermore, the press release stated that the vast majority of the estimated 200 annual radon-related lung cancer deaths occurred among those who smoked.

Both the RPII and my Department will continue to use all appropriate opportunities to raise public awareness of radon, to urge householders, particularly those in high radon areas, to have their homes tested for radon and to encourage householders with radon concentrations above the national reference level to undertake the appropriate remediation works. Every effort will also be made to provide information to householders and employers in order that they can carry out monitoring and remedial work effectively and economically should it be necessary.