Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 May 2004
139 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children how Ireland compares to other countries on cancers caused by radon gas; and the steps his Department is taking to ensure that such cancers are reduced. [15890/04]
View answerRadon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is classified as a group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The agency operates under the aegis of the World Health Organisation. Radon has been shown to be a cause of cancer, specifically lung cancer, on the basis of human epidemiological studies. Prolonged exposure to elevated 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.
My Department was advised by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland that radon exposure can be linked to between 10% and 13% of lung cancer deaths. This is based on international risk estimates on the radiation dose that would result from long-term exposure to the average indoor radon concentration here.
Statistics on the number of lung cancers attributable to radon exposure are not available. However, the National Cancer Registry of Ireland has indicated that international comparisons of lung cancer, using the International Agency for Research on Cancer estimates for 1998, show Ireland close to the EU average for lung cancer cases and a little above average for lung cancer deaths. The NCRI further indicated that over 85% of these cases and deaths are attributable to smoking.
Since 1997 there has been an additional cumulative investment in excess of €550 million in the development of appropriate treatment and care services for people with cancer. The investment has enabled the funding of 92 additional consultant posts in areas of cancer care. An additional 245 clinical nurse specialists have also been appointed in the cancer services area.
The monitoring of radiation levels in the State is carried out by the RPII. It identified areas at greatest risk from high indoor radon levels and householders living in these areas are urged to carry out radon measurements of their homes and to take remedial action if high levels are found. The RPII also provides a radon measurement and advisory service.
Radon in the work place is subject to health and safety legislation. Employers in high radon areas are required to carry out radon measurements and take remedial action if necessary. My colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, has responsibility for building regulations that incorporate radon preventative measures in new buildings.
