Galway's serious radon gas problem is to be investigated by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) in a major survey involving 5,000 house holds. Though earlier research has indicated that levels are high, Galway is the last county in the State to be tackled by the RPII.
Radon comes from natural decay in rocks and soils. When it reaches the open air it is quickly diluted to harmless concentrations. But when trapped in an enclosed space, such as a house, it can mount to unacceptably high levels, and long-term exposure can cause lung cancer.
Previous surveys of parts of Co Galway found that over 10 per cent of houses recorded concentrations above 200 becquerels per cubic metre.
The radon problem appears to be particularly severe in Salthill and Galway city generally, according to the RPII. Here more than 30 per cent of houses measured had radon concentrations above the accepted limit.
The current survey will supplement earlier data. Some 500 house holds will be selected at random from the register of electors.
In a strong appeal for co-operation Dr Ann McGarry, the RPII senior scientific officer, said last week that it would provide important information, particularly in the western half of the county where few results are available. Householders not selected for the free survey can still avail of the RPII's measurement service by contacting it on Freephone Radon 1800 300 600.