Cork’s multi-agency approach to radon problems praised by WHO
At least 100,000 Irish homes have unacceptably high levels. Radon occurs naturally in the ground in many parts of Ireland and frequently gets trapped in buildings.
The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPIID) warned last year that certain areas in Cork were worst affected, with the offices of the Corkman newspaper having 60 times the acceptable level.
Radon, which can cause lung cancer, is a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas, and occurs naturally from the decay of radioactive uranium in rocks and soils.
A programme by Cork County Council and the Health Service Executive (HSE) to identify houses at risk and take measures to reduce levels, has been praised by the WHO.
Speaking at the National Radon Forum in Dublin yesterday, Dr Ferid Shannoun, coordinator of the WHO’s International Radon Project said the multi-agency approach showcased in Cork in recent months is exactly the type of best practice they recommend.
“We are convinced that in any country, no one agency is equipped to effectively tackle the problem. This is particularly the case in a country like Ireland that has such high radon levels,” he said.
Finland has the highest rate of radon gas in the world, and Japan has the lowest, the conference heard.
“Radon is the second biggest cause of lung cancer in Ireland, causing up to 200 deaths per year,” said chief executive of the RPIID, Ann McGarry. The survey results make it all the more important that the model of co-operation and collaboration between State agencies is used by local authorities, she said.
Junior Environment Minister, Micheal Kitt, who opened the conference, said cooperation among State agencies is the key.
“High radon levels are found in a wide range of workplaces and homes all over Ireland and it is important that agencies work together to minimise the risk to health,” he said.
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