RADON SCIENTIST ISSUES SAFETY WARNING TO GALWAY HOMEOWNERS

Date Published: 17-Sep-2010

A senior scientist at the Radiological protection institute is warning that the Galway public need to become better informed about cancer causing radon gas.

So far this year, ninety-eight homes in Galway have been found to have above acceptable levels of radon, according to the national measurement programme.

15 homes in Athenry, Ballinasloe, Castlegar, Claregalway, Galway city and Salthill, Mountbellew, Oranmore and Tuam, had radon levels equivalent to occupants receiving six chest x-rays per day.

Radon is the second biggest cause of lung cancer after smoking and is linked to up to 200 lung cancer deaths each year in Ireland.

Senior scientist with the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland David Fenton says they will be rolling out awareness campaigns in Galway