THE Government has announced a grant scheme to help reduce radon levels in private and local authority dwellings. Long term exposure to radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, has been linked to increased risk of lung cancer.
The scheme, proposed by the Minister of State for Transport, Energy and Communications, Mr Emmet Stagg, will take effect from next January. It allows residents to apply for a grant of up to £800 per dwelling to cover 50 per cent of the total cost of measures to reduce radon.
Money will be allocated on a "first come, first served" basis, according to a Government statement, with a first year budget of £200,000, enough to cover at least 250 homes. This will rise to £400,000 a year for 1999 and 2000, enough for to cover 500 houses. Applicants must gain approval and the work will be subject to inspection. Payment will be made only after the work has been completed to specified standards.
The scheme also provides for free radon tests from 1999 for householders in areas where radon levels are known to be high.
The risk of contracting lung cancer increases if a person is exposed to high levels of radon, and this risk is greater if the person smokes.
Radon, which has no taste, smell or colour, seeps from the ground and in the open is quickly blown away. It can accumulate under buildings and in crawl spaces. Remedial measures include installing plastic liners and the use of extractor fans to keep crawl spaces clear.
The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, as part of its national radon survey, has so far identified 1,250 houses as having unacceptable radon levels.
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