Ireland must make its high levels of radon a political priority if continuing death rates are to be avoided, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Politicians and the public are not taking enough notice of the problem in spite of the fact that remedial measures can be taken, according to Dr Hajo Zeeb, co-ordinator of the WHO's international radon project.
He said Ireland had one of the highest average radon levels in Europe, with an estimated 13 per cent of lung cancer deaths here attributed to exposure to the gas. This was just 2 per cent under the upper level of deaths from the same cause globally.
Dr Zeeb was attending the fifth national radon forum hosted by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) yesterday in Galway. The naturally-occurring nature of the colourless, odourless and tasteless radioactive gas may be one of the reasons for the public's approach to it, Dr Zeeb told The Irish Times.
"Because it is perceived as a natural threat, people don't feel they have to act, and yet much can be done to avoid the worst effects of it."
Dr Ann McGarry, RPII chief executive, urged people yesterday to measure radon in their homes.
Dr McGarry said that up to 200 Irish people were dying every year from lung cancer as a result of it.
She said local authorities could play a key role in promoting awareness,and singled out South Tipperary County Council for special mention.
The RPII estimates that up to 91,000 Irish homes may have radon concentrations above the national reference level.
About 33 per cent of the State is classified as a "high radon" area, with most concentration in the southeast and the west.
Radon-testing kits for householders cost €50, and Dr Zeeb said the issue of grant-aiding such tests was one for the RPII and the Government.
Details on radon testing are available from the RPII at freefone 1800 300 600 or by texting the word RADON, followed by one's name and address, to 53377.
