Measurement of radon levels

Information

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that results from the decay of uranium in rocks and soils. The gas is colourless, odourless and tasteless and can only be measured using special equipment.

When radon surfaces in the open air, it is quickly diluted to harmless concentrations, but when it enters an enclosed space, such as a house or other building, it can sometimes build up to unacceptably high concentrations. Radon from the ground enters buildings chiefly through cracks in floors or gaps around pipes or cables.

Radon decays to form tiny radioactive particles, some of which stay suspended in the air. When these particles are inhaled into the lungs, they give a radiation dose that may damage cells in the lung.

Radon has been shown to be a cause of cancer, specifically lung cancer; 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.

The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland

The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) is the national organisation with regulatory, monitoring and advisory responsibilities in matters relating to ionising radiation. It assesses radon levels and has identified those parts of the country where high indoor radon levels are more likely to be found.

The RPII publishes an interactive radon map. You can enter an address to see if it is in a 'High Radon Area'. You can also view a table that summarises the results of the radon survey for each county since the early 1990s.

The RPII's Radon in Homes booklet (pdf) gives information about radon and the harm it can do, and describes how you can reduce your exposure to radon levels in the home. You can also view frequently asked questions about radon or use the 'ask the expert' service for other questions.

Measuring radon

The RPII recommends that all householders have their homes tested for radon. The RPII and several private companies provide a radon measurement service.

The testing is usually carried out by placing two small testing devices (detectors) in the house for 3 months. At the end of this period, the detectors are sent back to the testing laboratory for processing. This procedure is carried out entirely by post. A 3-month measurement period is recommended because radon levels in a house can vary considerably from day to day as a result of changes in weather conditions, ventilation, building usage, etc.

The radon measurement service is confidential. The RPII will not release the result of any measurement to anyone other than the person who requested the original measurement.