Concerns have been raised over the number of Clare homes recording excess levels of the cancer causing radioactive gas radon.

Local TD Tony Killeen discussed the matter following the publication of a report by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) indicating that 346 or 11% of the 3115 Clare homes tested had radon readings above the Reference Level of 200 Bq/m3.

One home in Ennis was identified as having concentrations of radon gas 11 times above the acceptable level.

The home had a measurement of 2237 becquerels of radon per cubic metre (Bq/m3), which is a radiation dose equivalent to receiving nearly 2800 chest X-rays per year.

Mr Killeen said: "I would urge local people to test for the gas and reduce their risk of lung cancer. Exposure to radon gas is linked to some 200 lung cancer deaths each year in Ireland."

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The TD, who is a former minister with responsibility for the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, said: "Areas of Clare 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.

"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."

He urged all householders, particularly those living in High Radon Areas, to have their homes tested for the gas.

Radon is a Class-1 carcinogen. Long-term exposure to radon increases the risk of lung cancer.

Radon is linked to approximately 200 lung cancer deaths in Ireland every year.

The RPII has redeveloped its website (www.rpii.ie) so that anyone can now search for their address on an interactive radon map to see whether their home or workplace is in an area predicted to have high radon levels.

(PR/KMcA)