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13% of homes in Cork tested were found to have high levels of the dangerous gas. Photo: 123RF

North Cork has a problem with the cancer-causing radon gas, a senior scientist at the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland has warned.

David Fenton was commenting on the findings of recent testing for radon across the county. "We know that Cork, particularly north Cork, has a problem with radon and yet only a fraction of homeowners have tested. Our research shows that, of the homes already tested, there's a large percentage with high radon levels," he said.

13% of homes in Cork tested were found to have high levels of the dangerous gas. One home in Midleton had nine times the acceptable level, meaning its occupants were receiving a radiation dose the equivalent of 2250 chest x-rays a year.

A house in Fermoy was one of 22 homes across Cork found to have had radon levels of up to four times the acceptable level.

The RPII says radon is the second biggest cause of lung cancer after smoking and is directly linked to more than 200 lung cancer deaths each year in Ireland. 24, or one in eight of the 191 tests conducted on homes in Cork found above acceptable levels.

"Tens of thousands of homeowners in Cork have yet to test for radon and among them are many thousands that are unknowingly being exposed to this cancer causing gas," the RPII scientist said. "It is really important for people to test their home for radon as this is the only way of protecting your family."

Testing and fixing the problem is easy, he stressed. It involves placing radon detectors in a bedroom and living room for a three month period. The detectors are sent and returned by post for analysis. The RPII and a number of private companies provide such a service. The cost of a measurement is around €50.

Where moderate levels are found, it may be enough to just improve indoor ventilation. For higher levels a fan-assisted sump is the most common solution. It's said to reduce levels by over 90%. The typical cost of this work is put at around €850 with running costs in the order of €100 a year depending on the size of the fan installed.

RPII has an interactive map available on its website www.rpii.ie for people to search for their address or nearest town to see whether their home or workplace is in a high radon area. More information on the issue is also available. Information can also be obtained by phoning Freefone 1800 300 600.

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