A total of 14 homes in Co Clare have tested high for gas radon, according to new figures from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA).

High levels for the cancer causing gas radon were discovered at properties in Ennis, Clarecastle, Corofin, Ennistymon, Tulla and Quin.

One home in Ennis had over nine times the acceptable level.

Alison Dowdall, Scientist with the EPA’s Office of Radiological Protection said: "Co Clare is a high risk county so it is encouraging to know that more than 10,000 Clare people are living in homes that have been tested for radon. However, we remain concerned that a lot of families in Clare are unaware that they are being exposed to high levels of this radioactive gas."

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Radon is the second most common cause of lung cancer after smoking and is linked to some 250 lung cancer cases each year.

Ms Dowdall continued: "Radon is only a problem if it is ignored. Solutions are available to reduce high levels in the home. If you haven't already done so, we would urge you to protect your family's health by taking this simple and inexpensive test as soon as possible."

(CD)