Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium which is present in all rocks and soils. It has no colour, taste or smell and can only be measured using special detectors. Outdoors, radon is not a problem as it quickly dilutes to harmless concentrations. However, when it enters an enclosed space, such as a house or other building, it can sometimes accumulate to unacceptably high levels.
Radon decays to form tiny radioactive particles that when inhaled, can result in a radiation dose which may damage cells in the lung and increase the risk of lung cancer. In Ireland about 350 cases of lung cancer are linked to radon each year.
Homes in some parts of Ireland are more likely to have a radon problem. These are called high radon areas. The EPA’s updated radon risk map will tell you if your home is in a High Radon Area. High Radon Areas are shown in red.
Radon is easy to test for and it is easy to reduce the levels of radon in your home. The National reference level for radon in homes is 200 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3). Ideally all homes should have radon levels below this value. If radon test shows radon concentrations above this value, then remediation measures to reduce the radon levels are recommended.
By law (Article 66 of Statutory Instrument No.30 2019) employers located in high radon areas are required to test their premises for radon. The acceptable level, or Reference Level, for workplaces in Ireland is 300 Bq/m3. If following a radon measurement, radon concentrations above this value are found, remediation measures to reduce the radon levels are required and must be completed within 12 months. Check if your workplace is in a high radon area on our Radon in Workplaces map.
Learn More
Website: www.radon.ie
Freephone: 1800 300 600
Email: radon@epa.ie.