Radiation watchdog issues warning for South Tipperary homes

People living in South Tipperary are being urged by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) to test their homes for the cancer-causing Radon gas.

RPII Radon Detector. Credit: RPII

According to the RPII, South Tipperary has some of the highest concentrations of the naturally occurring radioactive gas; yet only about 8% of homes in the county have been tested.

The RPII estimates that 20% of homes in the area could have exposure to the cancer causing gas in excess of acceptable levels.? It says that in Clonmel alone 20% of homes have dangerous levels of Radon gas, and about 6% of homes have four times the acceptable level.

Mr David Fenton, Senior Scientist at the RPII says, “The families that have tested have taken the necessary first step in addressing this problem. Many thousands of families in South Tipperary are completely unaware that they may be exposed to this colourless, odourless and tasteless radioactive gas. People living in these homes are at increased risk of developing lung cancer.”

Radon Gas occurs naturally from the decay of uranium in the Earth and while small doses are harmless prolonged exposure can cause cancer.? In Ireland alone Radon gas is linked to about 200 lung cancer deaths a year.

Find out how to test for Radon gas here.

Radon tests cost 50 and are done by placing two small detectors, which can be sent in the post, in two rooms in the house for three months.