Homeowners, employers urged to test for radon

A RADIATION watchdog has urged homeowners and employers in areas where there are high levels of potentially lethal radon gas to have tests carried out.

Radon gas, which occurs naturally and is known to cause lung cancer, may be responsible for up to 200 deaths every year, the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland said.

Institute chairman Dr Frank Mulligan described as disappointing the response to an earlier call to have tests carried out in homes, schools and workplaces. In Ennis and Tralee, areas where there are high concentrations of radon, just under half of employers contacted failed to respond to correspondence. Other high-risk areas include parts of Sligo, Mayo, Galway and the south-east.