Householders in areas classed by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) as high radon areas have been advised to have their homes assessed for concentrations of the gas, which can cause lung cancer.
The advice comes from the RPII, which yesterday issued the results of its survey of radon levels in Cos Limerick, Clare and Tipperary, the fourth such regional survey carried out as part of a State-wide survey.
In Co Clare, a large region stretching from the Burren to the Shannon estuary has been identified as a high radon area. It includes Ballyvaughan, Lisdoonvarna, Corofin and Ennis.
In Co Limerick, the areas classed as high radon areas are described as localised and widely distributed, while in Co Tipperary the areas are generally located in the southern part of the county.
Because it is a gas, radon can move freely through the soil and is quickly diluted to harmless levels in the open air. However, if it enters an enclosed space, such as a house, it can build up to what are described as "unacceptably high" levels.
A map of high radon areas and a booklet, Radon in Buildings, detailing ways to alleviate the problem, are available from the Government Publications Office, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2.
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