Vol. 522 No. 3
161 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has been alerted to the existence of above average levels of radon gas at any locations throughout the country; if such levels present a threat to public health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18746/00]
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. The monitoring of radiation levels in the state is carried out by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland. The institute carried out and published a national survey on radon gas last year. The survey identifies areas at greatest risk from high indoor radon levels. The institute also provides a radon measurement and advisory service.
Long-term exposure to very high levels of radon gas in an enclosed area can be a contributory factor in increasing the risk of lung cancer, particularly where other factors such as cigarette smoking are involved. When radon is vented into the open air it is quickly dispersed into harmless concentrations. The Department of the Environment and Local Government amended the building regulations in 1997 to provide for incorporation of radon preventive measures in new dwellings.
