Radon
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) recently published a new Radon in Dwellings map as part of The Radon in Dwellings Report in Northern Ireland: 2009 Review and Atlas (.PDF 2.9Mb)
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Robert Larmour, NIEA Principal Pollution Inspector, explained: “Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed as a result of the radioactive decay of uranium, which is present in all rocks and soils. Radon rises from the soil into the air where it is diluted. Where radon enters buildings, the levels can build up and, at high concentrations, leads to an increased risk of lung cancer. In Northern Ireland up to 30 lung cancer deaths a year may be attributed to radon. I would encourage those householders with radon levels above the Action Level to implement measures to reduce the risk of lung cancer.”
This report updates previous reports and presents the first radon probability map at a resolution of 1square kilometre of the Irish Grid. It highlights 1,200 homes in Northern Ireland have been identified above the Government Action Level for radon.
The report was launched at a seminar in the Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen. The presentations are available below:
- History of the Radon Programme in Northern Ireland - by Robert Larmour (.PDF 5.62Mb)
- Fourth Radon in Dwellings Report - by Martyn Green (.PDF 1.13Mb)
- Radon Mapping - by Jon Miles (.PDF 492Kb)
- A Building Control Perspective - by Gerald Coulter (.PDF 1.46Mb)
- National and International Developments - by Neil McColl (.PDF 245Kb)
To discuss any technical matters about radon telephone or to arrange for a Radon test for your home contact IPRI through any of the methods below:
By Post:
Industrial Pollution and Radiochemical Inspectorate (IPRI)
Klondyke Building
Cromac Avenue
Gasworks Business Park
Belfast
BT7 2JA
By Telephone:
028 9056 9299
By Email:
The control of exposure to radon in commercial and public buildings, including schools, is the responsibility of the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland or the appropriate district council.
Further related information can be found at www.bre.co.uk/radon.
Some previous Radon information can be found below:
