Vol. 568 No. 5
88 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if his Department has information available on the number of people who die here each year as a result of exposure to radon gas; the reason his Department has not introduced a scheme of grants to assist householders with the cost of reducing high radon gas levels in their homes as recommended; if it is intended to introduce such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16533/03]
Epidemiological studies have shown that naturally occurring radon gas concentrations add to the incidence of lung cancer. While this evidence is derived primarily from studies of miners exposed to radon gas at work, it is supported by the outcome of a number of studies of radon exposure in the home. It has been established that approximately 10% to 15% of all lung cancer deaths in Ireland are linked to radon gas exposure and that the incidence is higher among smokers than non-smokers. However, it is important to emphasise that it not possible to ascribe any individual lung cancer case to exposure to radon.
