Menu
13/10/2009
Tralee Houses Found With Highest Radon In Europe
The carcinogenic gas, radon, has been found in two houses in Tralee, Co Kerry, at record high levels.
The two houses have the third and fourth highest measurements ever recorded in Europe, while Tralee and Castleisland have 15 of the 20 highest recorded measurements in Ireland.
The Radiological Protection Institute said the latest finds were 70 times higher than what is acceptable - resulting in the residents being exposed to the equivalent of nearly 47 chest x-rays per day.
Commenting on the findings, David Fenton, Manager of Radon Advice at the institute said: “Many people in Ireland are living with very dangerous levels of radiation. We implore householders to take this seriously and measure the radon level in their home as a step towards reducing the risk of lung cancer to their family. It’s a relatively simple process and people can find out more by visiting www.rpii.ie”.
Remedial work to both homes has now been undertaken and they are awaiting the results of retests to ensure the levels have reduced below the acceptable level.
The institute has urged people in high-risk areas to get their homes tested immediately. Only 5% of those believed to be at risk have been tested.
Radon is a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas, which is generated naturally from the decay of uranium in rocks and soil.
(DW/KMcA)
The two houses have the third and fourth highest measurements ever recorded in Europe, while Tralee and Castleisland have 15 of the 20 highest recorded measurements in Ireland.
The Radiological Protection Institute said the latest finds were 70 times higher than what is acceptable - resulting in the residents being exposed to the equivalent of nearly 47 chest x-rays per day.
Commenting on the findings, David Fenton, Manager of Radon Advice at the institute said: “Many people in Ireland are living with very dangerous levels of radiation. We implore householders to take this seriously and measure the radon level in their home as a step towards reducing the risk of lung cancer to their family. It’s a relatively simple process and people can find out more by visiting www.rpii.ie”.
Remedial work to both homes has now been undertaken and they are awaiting the results of retests to ensure the levels have reduced below the acceptable level.
The institute has urged people in high-risk areas to get their homes tested immediately. Only 5% of those believed to be at risk have been tested.
Radon is a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas, which is generated naturally from the decay of uranium in rocks and soil.
(DW/KMcA)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 January 2012
Galway Home Found With High Levels Of Cancer-Causing Radon Gas
Almost 2600 people tested their homes for radon gas in the latter half of 2011 with 321 recording high levels, according to new figures released today by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII).
Galway Home Found With High Levels Of Cancer-Causing Radon Gas
Almost 2600 people tested their homes for radon gas in the latter half of 2011 with 321 recording high levels, according to new figures released today by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII).
16 June 2011
Radon Levels 'Amongst Highest In Europe'
A record number of homes from across the country have been identified with high levels of radon gas according to new figures released today by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII).
Radon Levels 'Amongst Highest In Europe'
A record number of homes from across the country have been identified with high levels of radon gas according to new figures released today by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII).
29 July 2008
Radon Levels Exceed Previous Estimates
A study by Radon experts has shown Ireland's levels of the radioactive gas are up to 9% higher than previously thought.
Radon Levels Exceed Previous Estimates
A study by Radon experts has shown Ireland's levels of the radioactive gas are up to 9% higher than previously thought.
27 June 2012
Enterprise Ireland Achieves Record Level Of Exports
Enterprise Ireland's Annual Report and Accounts for 2011 published today, Wednesday 27th June 2012, show that Enterprise Ireland client companies achieved record levels of exports of €15.2bn in 2011. This exceeds the pre-recession record levels of 2008 and is the highest ever annual export gain achieved by Enterprise Ireland client companies.
Enterprise Ireland Achieves Record Level Of Exports
Enterprise Ireland's Annual Report and Accounts for 2011 published today, Wednesday 27th June 2012, show that Enterprise Ireland client companies achieved record levels of exports of €15.2bn in 2011. This exceeds the pre-recession record levels of 2008 and is the highest ever annual export gain achieved by Enterprise Ireland client companies.
03 January 2017
Hospital Overcrowding Reaches Record Levels - INMO
New figures have revealed there were over 600 patients admitted for care on trolleys in hospitals today, 03 January. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) said the record figure (612) comes as the organisation confirms there were 93,621 admitted patients on trolleys during 2016.
Hospital Overcrowding Reaches Record Levels - INMO
New figures have revealed there were over 600 patients admitted for care on trolleys in hospitals today, 03 January. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) said the record figure (612) comes as the organisation confirms there were 93,621 admitted patients on trolleys during 2016.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
