Schools urged to install radon detectors

THE 565 schools that have not been tested for levels of the potentially fatal radon gas have been urged to have detection equipment installed for the safety of their staff and pupils.

A Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) survey of 3,444 schools between 1998 and 2000 found around 300 had one or more rooms with radon concentrations above the workplace reference level of 400 Bq/m3. The Department of Education provided funding for these schools to have equipment installed or other remedial work done to reduce these levels.

Almost 900 more schools had rooms with levels of between 200 and 400 Bq/m3 and were given grants to install suitable vents. The measurements were taken from small testing boxes placed in each classroom for a year to read radon concentrations.

However, more than 200 schools never responded to the RPII offer of testing equipment, and 354 schools did not complete the survey After receiving a list of the 565 schools in question from the Department of Education this week, Fine Gael TD Bernard Allen has called on them to be tested immediately. “I would also demand that adequate funding is made available for remedial works to be carried out at schools above the reference levels,” he said.

“We shouldn’t be skimping on safety,” Mr Allen added.