We are constantly featuring news stories from all over the world here at Radon Resources that discusses the widespread problems and concerns of radon gas. Most people don’t realize that it’s a naturally ocurring gas which can exist anywhere.
Tralee Area Homes in the Republic of Ireland Susceptible to Radon Gas
Photo by Android Bennett (Flickr)
Proof of that exists today as information is being released in the Republic of Ireland about a local radon gas problem. As it turns out, an estimated one in five homes and businesses in the Tralee area are expected to have elevated radon gas levels well above the recommended action limit of 200 Bq/m3 (becquerels per cubic metre). In addition, according to the local Environmental Protection Agency, more than 20% of homes or properties in the area have levels above the recommended limit.
Just as it happens with other areas of the world, some local homes have been found to contain levels well over the limit bordering on extremely hazardous. In some cases, those radon gas levels are ten times or greater the recommended limit. Exposure to every additional 148 Bq/m3 is about the equivalent of smoking a quarter pack of cigarettes per day. In other words, constant exposure to radon levels equaling 592 Bq/m3 is the equivalent of smoking a whole pack of cigarettes per day. Even worse, if you do smoke and you’re also exposed to radon gas your risk for cancer increases exponentially even beyond that.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer the world over. It’s responsible for the deaths of more than 20,000 Americans and 1,100 UK citizens each year. The most unfortunate thing about that is it can be prevented easily. One simply needs to test their home for the presence of the deadly gas and take action if elevated levels are discovered. Taking action entails having a mitigation system installed which is a relatively inexpensive ventilation system that ejects the radon gas from inside the residence, home or property.
In the Tralee area alone, as many as 400 homes could be at risk for elevated levels of radon gas. It’s naturally produced by elements such as Uranium as they undergo radioactive decay, and those elements are commonly found in soil and rock. The Tralee area has an abundance of limestone deposits, which have also been linked to high radon production. This is extremely problematic for local residents of both the Tralee and Castleisland areas.
Test Your Home for Radon Gas
As mentioned above, it’s a good idea to have your home, business or property tested for the presence of the deadly gas. There’s nothing worse than finding out your home — the one place that should be a safe haven for you and your family — is slowly killing you.
You can purchase a DIY radon testing kit at a local hardware store or online. If you don’t want to bother with the process yourself, you can hire an experienced professional for around €50. If you enlist the help of a professional they can also advise you about what to do if elevated levels are indeed discovered.
Keep in mind, it doesn’t matter whether your closest neighbor has found elevated radon gas levels or safe levels. Every home will be different, regardless of how close — or far — apart they are from each other. In addition, the overall design and construction of the home matters little.
Via: Independent.ie
