What is radon?

• Radon is a radioactive gas which is naturally produced in the ground from the uranium present in small quantities in all rocks and soils
• You cannot smell, see or taste radon
• Radon can only be measured with special detectors.

Why is radon so dangerous?

• Radon is a radioactive gas which is naturally produced in the ground from the uranium present in small quantities in all rocks and soils.
• Because it is a gas, it can move freely between cracks and gaps in the ground, and can seep upwards into buildings.
• Radon is a carcinogen in the same category as tobacco smoke and asbestos.
• When radon decays, it produces tiny radioactive particles. When inhaled, these particles are deposited in the airways. As these particles break down further, they release bursts of energy that can irradiate the tissue of the lungs which, over time, can cause lung cancer.
• When you are exposed for a long period of time to high levels of radon, you increase your risk of developing lung cancer.
• Radon is not linked to any other types of respiratory illnesses or other types of cancer.
• In Ireland and worldwide, radon is the second biggest cause of lung cancer after smoking.

Who is at risk from radon-linked lung cancer?

• Everyone is exposed to some amount of radon, so there is always a risk that this may cause lung cancer.
• The size of the risk depends on the level of radon and the amount of time you are exposed to it. At the national Reference Level for radon in the home (200 Bq/m³), the risk is similar to other everyday risks, such as being killed in a road accident.

Two groups of people are more at risk and should take action to reduce their exposure:

• Those living in a home with radon levels above 200 Bq/m³.
• Those who smoke or who used to smoke. Smokers run a much higher risk of developing radon-related lung cancer than those who never smoked because when the two carcinogens radon and tobacco smoke are combined, the risk is magnified.
• The most important thing to remember is that if you have high levels of radon in your home, as soon as you reduce them, the risk decreases.
• It is very easy to reduce radon levels if they are high so why taking the chance of doing nothing?
• Detailed research has shown that :
  • The risk to both smokers and non-smokers rises by approximately 16 per cent for every 100 bequerels per cubic metre (Bq/m³) in the home.
  • The risk to active smokers from radon is 25 times greater than the risk to lifelong non-smokers, but ex-smokers remain at increased risk from radon for a number of years after they have stopped smoking.
  • Approximately 13 per cent of all lung cancer deaths in Ireland are caused by radon.
  • Of all radon-linked lung cancer deaths in Ireland, approximately 90 per cent will occur in smokers and ex-smokers.

What can I do to reduce my risk?

• Have your home tested to find out if the level in your home is above 200 Bq/m³
• If the radon level in your home is above 200 Bq/m³, you can reduce it.