Unsafe radon levels found in further 229 schools

Another 229 national schools have been identified as having high levels of the naturally occurring radioactive gas, radon, according to a new survey. Some schools had levels 10 times the safety limit.

The survey by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) is the second part of a three-part national survey assessing radon levels in schools. The 229 schools were among 1,056 surveyed in Cos Donegal, Dublin, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Offaly, Roscommon and Sligo.

Of the 229 schools, 23 had levels that required immediate attention, according to the manager of the RPII's radon department, Mr David Pollard. Some of these had levels of up to 2,000 becquerels per cubic metre of air. The safety limit is 200 becquerels.

Exposure to radon has been associated with increased risk of lung cancer, particularly in smokers. This did not mean, however, that pupils or teachers in the schools were in immediate danger, Mr Pollard said yesterday. "What we are concerned about is lifetime exposure to radon."

Radon seeps out of the ground and is blown away on the wind. It can sometimes accumulate under buildings and under floors. Measurements are taken over a school year in every ground-floor room, and if any exceeds the limit corrective action is required.

Low levels could be cleared using passive ventilation methods, Mr Pollard said, but higher levels might require extractor fans. The Department of Education and Science received the survey this week and had begun immediate action to reduce levels at the 23 schools, he added. The first phase of the survey, released last January, identified 172 schools with levels above 200 becquerels, and 33 with levels three times or more above this. Remedial work on the 13 worst-affected schools in phase one had already been completed, Mr Pollard said.

The final survey would be completed by the end of 2001, Mr Pollard said. Research was under way to determine the most effective way to reduce radon in all schools above the limit and all schools would eventually be brought below this level.