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On European Radon Day, Minister Kyne commends important work of Geological Survey of Ireland in helping to mitigate radon exposure
On European Radon Day (Tuesday, 7th November), Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Seán Kyne TD has commended the work of the Geological Survey of Ireland in helping to identify and analyse the problem of radon exposure in Ireland.
Minister Kyne made the comments at the Geoscience 2017 Conference being held in Dublin Castle and also encouraged householders to learn more about the problem and the steps they can take to protect themselves and their families.
A colourless, odourless, tasteless gas, radon forms naturally through the radioactive decay of Uranium which is found in rocks and soils. Radon exposure is a leading cause of lung cancer in Ireland and accounts for over 250 cases each year.
Commented Minister Kyne: “Detecting radon through geoscientific analysis, including the Tellus Programme, is one of the many practical examples of the work of the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI). The GSI is working with the Office of Radiological Protection at the Environment Protection Agency to improve radon mapping in Ireland as part of the National Radon Control Strategy.
“Radon exposure varies significant across the country and is much more severe in certain counties including parts of Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Wicklow, Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny and Westmeath, among others.
“The collection and analysis work being carried out by GSI is helping to produce a better and more accurate map of radon exposure in Ireland which in turn is helping with planning and with carrying out of remediation works to help protect people.
“The Government is also taking steps to mimise risk with Government regulations, for example, requiring all new houses in High Radon Areas to be installed with a radon barrier. Households can also search the online map to confirm if they are in a High Radon Area and can apply to have their homes tested.”
For more information on the work of the GSI on radon please visit https://www.gsi.ie/en-ie/geoscience-topics/environmental-health/Pages/Radon.aspx
For more information on the EPA and radon please visit https://www.epa.ie/radiation/radon/