Ireland has one of the highest average radon levels in Europe with around 200 people dying each year from lung cancer as a result of exposure, according to the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII).
In Ireland, the RPII says that 13 per cent of lung cancer deaths can be attributed to exposure to the gas. The World Health Organization's (WHO) estimates that globally between 6 per cent and 15 per cent of lung cancer deaths are caused by the gas.
The RPII says Ireland's figures are at the wrong end of the scale and reflects the high radon levels found in Irish homes.
The figures will be presented by Dr Hajo Zeeb, co-ordinator of the WHO's International Radon Project, at the fifth National Radon Forum in Galway later today.
Dr Zeeb said although prevention or remediation is "relatively easy" not enough is being done by people and politicians to address the problem.
Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, originates from the decay of uranium in rocks and soils. It is colourless, odourless and tasteless and can only be measured using special equipment.
When radon surfaces in the open air, it is quickly diluted to harmless concentrations, but when it enters an enclosed space, such as a house or other building, it can sometimes accumulate to unacceptably high concentrations.
Dr Ann McGarry, chief executive of the RPII, urged the public to measure the levels of radon in their homes.
Detailed information on radon, including information on how to get your home or workplace tested for radon is available on the RPII's website www.rpii.ie/radonor can be obtained on freefone 1800 300600 or by texting the word "radon" followed by your name and address to 53377.
The Green Party today called on the Government to drop the €50 charge for radon testing in high-risk areas.
Environment spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe said said: "Charging €50 for a radon test means that many households are simply not getting their homes checked.
"It would cost less than €5 million to measure the radon in the 90,000 homes in high-risk areas. This investment could save lives."