Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 January 2010
142 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking to deal with the problem of radon exposure in homes and workplaces here; if he is pursuing a multi-agency approach at national level to help deal with this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4259/10]
View answer144 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking to put in place an effective strategy at national level to deal with the significant levels of radon in homes and workplaces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4260/10]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 144 together.
The Government, largely through the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII), has for many years now worked towards assessing the extent of the radon problem throughout the country. Between 1992 and 1999 the RPII carried out a National Radon Survey to measure radon concentrations in Irish homes. The principal objectives were to measure the scale of the radon problem in Ireland and to identify areas at higher risk of radon concentrations above the National Reference Level of 200 becquerels per metre cubed (Bq/m3).
The Government's approach to radon, which is similar to that of the majority of EU Member States, is to concentrate efforts on increasing public awareness of the risks posed by the build up of radon in the home. Householders, particularly those living in known high radon areas, have been strongly encouraged by the RPII to have their homes tested for radon and to undertake remediation works where necessary.
Almost 38,000 homes have now been measured for radon by the RPII. The results of these tests have been compiled into a central database, which has greatly aided our knowledge and understanding of the extent of Ireland's radon problem.
Furthermore, the RPII has carried out targeted information campaigns in high radon areas and, in some instances, where areas with particularly high radon levels have been found the RPII has written directly to householders. This approach will be continued so that householders in high radon areas are encouraged to address monitoring and remedial requirements effectively and economically.
If a dwelling is found to have a high radon level remediation work may be recommended. Technical guidance on radon remediation techniques is available in a booklet issued by my Department: Radon in Buildings — Corrective Options. The RPII has also issued guidance: Understanding Radon Remediation — A Householder's Guide. In addition, the website of the RPII provides a list of companies who can provide a radon remediation service and the RPII can offer specific advice and recommendations.
The Radiological Protection Act, 1991 (Ionising Radiation) Order 2000 sets a radon concentration of 400 becquerels per metre cubed (Bq/m3), measured over any consecutive three-month period, as the reference level for radon in Irish workplaces. When this Reference Level is exceeded, the employer must take measures to protect the health of workers. Under the legislation, employers can be directed to have radon measurements carried out in the workplace.
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 requires employers to identify all hazards in their workplace, including radon, to assess the risk to health and safety from these hazards and to put in place measures to eliminate or reduce the risk. According to the Heath & Safety Authority, all indoor workplaces in High Radon Areas located at ground floor or basement level must be measured for radon.
Members of the public can access information on radon on the RPII website, www.rpii.ie. Publications and information leaflets about radon can be downloaded free of charge. The RPII can also be contacted on freephone 1800 300 600.
My Department will continue to work closely with the RPII, the HSE, local authorities and other relevant agencies to raise public awareness and to promote radon testing and remediation. This multi-agency approach to dealing with radon is in line with international best practice, as recommended by the World Health Organisation's International Radon Project which was co-funded by the Irish Government.
