Clare TD Tony Killeen has urged householders across the county to test their homes for the cancer causing radioactive gas radon.

Mr Killeen issued the advice after receiving notification from the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) that 342 or 11% of the 3033 Clare homes tested by the RPII had radon levels above the Reference Level of 200 Bq/m3.

According to the RPII, the occupants of these 342 homes may be receiving radiation doses equivalent to several chest X-rays per day.

The parts of Clare that have a predicted 20% or more of houses registering radon levels in excess of 200 Bq/m3, include Ennis and its environs, Crusheen, Corofin, Ruan, Kilnamona, Inagh, Clarecastle and Newmarket on Fergus.

Areas of the county registered where more than 10% of houses are predicted to have high radon levels in excess of 200 Bq/m3 include the entire North Clare area from Kilshanny to Belharbour and Carron to Doolin, along with Ballynacally, Shannon, Sixmilebridge, Bunratty, Quin, Tulla and Feakle.

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"Exposure to radon gas is linked to some 200 lung cancer deaths each year in Ireland," said Mr Killeen.

"Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that originates from the decay of uranium in rocks and soils. It has no smell, colour or taste and can only be detected using special detectors.

"Outdoors radon quickly dilutes to harmless concentrations, but when it enters an enclosed space, such as a house or other building, it can accumulate to unacceptably high concentrations. This gives rise to a radiation dose, which may cause lung cancer," he explained.

Mr Killeen urged all householders, particularly those living in High Radon Areas, to have their homes tested for radon.

He said: "Testing for radon involves the placing of one radon detector in a bedroom and a second in a living room for a three-month period.

"The detectors are the size of an air freshener and can be sent and returned by post for analysis. A number of private companies and the RPII provide a radon measurement service to the public for as little as €56," added the TD.

Detailed information on radon and its risks is available on the RPII’s website www.rpii.ie or can be obtained on freefone 1800 300 600.

(PR/JM)