What is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that forms naturally in the ground through the decay of uranium, a mineral found in all rocks and soils. It is invisible, odourless, and tasteless, making it impossible to detect without specialised equipment. Although radon is present in the outdoor air at low levels, it can accumulate to dangerous concentrations indoors, particularly in enclosed spaces like homes and workplaces.
Health Risks Associated with Radon
In Ireland, radon is the leading source of radiation exposure, contributing to approximately 56% of the total radiation that people are exposed to. Alarmingly, about 350 cases of lung cancer each year in Ireland are directly linked to radon exposure. The gas produces tiny radioactive particles that can be inhaled into the lungs. These particles can become lodged in the lung tissue, as they emit radiation, which can damage lung cells and, over time, increase the risk of lung cancer. The risk is particularly high for smokers, as the combination of tobacco smoke and radon exposure greatly amplifies the likelihood of developing lung cancer.
Who is at Risk?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed a detailed radon risk map for Ireland, which is regularly updated. By entering your address into the EPA’s online tool, you can check the radon risk level for your specific property. Recently, areas like Sandyford, Dundrum, and Killiney have been reclassified as higher risk than previously thought. Other regions, such as Cork city and county, Waterford, Carlow, Laois, and Galway, have been long recognised as high-risk zones, where approximately 1 in 5 homes may have elevated radon levels.
Testing for Radon
Given the health risks, testing your home for radon is essential, even if your neighbours have already done so. Each home can have different radon levels depending on various factors like construction type, soil permeability, and ventilation.
You can obtain a radon testing kit from several approved companies. These kits include small, passive radon detectors, which are typically round, plastic discs about the size of the palm of your hand. For accurate results, place one detector in a bedroom and another in a living room—these are the rooms where occupants spend most of their time. The detectors need to remain in place for three months, after which you send them back to the testing service for analysis. The results will provide you with an accurate measurement of radon levels in your home.
How to Fix High Radon Levels
If radon levels in your home or workplace exceed the recommended safety thresholds, immediate action is necessary. For buildings constructed after 1st July 1998, Irish building regulations require the installation of a standby radon sump—a simple pipe system that extends from under the foundations to the outdoor air. This sump can be activated by adding a fan, which will draw radon-rich air from beneath the building and expel it outside, preventing it from entering your living spaces.
However, it’s important to note that a standby sump without an active fan will not reduce radon levels. When activated, an active radon sump is highly effective, often reducing radon levels by 60% to 99%. The installation of such a system typically costs around €925, but the price can vary between €400 and €1500 depending on the complexity of the work.
For homes with moderate radon levels, increasing ventilation at ground level is a simpler, less invasive solution. Installing wall vents or window trickle vents can reduce radon concentrations by up to 50%. This method is most effective at ground level, as additional ventilation on upper floors may inadvertently increase the flow of radon into the home. The cost for this ventilation work usually ranges from a few hundred euros.
Conclusion
Radon is a silent but serious threat to health, particularly in areas identified as high-risk by the EPA. Regular testing and appropriate mitigation strategies are crucial in ensuring the safety of your home or workplace. If you live in a high-risk area or suspect elevated radon levels, consider getting your property tested and, if necessary, taking the appropriate steps to reduce radon exposure.
For more information, professionals advice, or to arrange a radon test, visit www.isurv.ie or contact us at info@isurv.ie.