Some 10 per cent of new houses fitted with radon barriers still have unsafe levels of the gas, a survey published today has found.
The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) survey in Kilkenny found one new house had seven times the recommended level of radon despite being fitted with radon preventative measures that have been required under building regulations since 1998.
The survey of 52 houses built before 1998 and 33 after the introduction of the regulations found there has been a 33 per cent reduction in average radon levels since 1998.
But David Fenton of the RPII said: "While lower radon levels in new build homes is a positive thing, some of the highest radon levels found in the survey were in new homes.
"The only proper precaution for any home is to ensure it is tested for radon after it has been occupied."
The survey found 42 per cent and 24 per cent of respondents were respectively unaware of the presence or absence of a radon sump or a radon barrier in their homes.
"There seems to be a gap in the information that is available to the public on this particular issue," Mr Fenton added.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It is colourless, odourless and tasteless and can only be measured using specialised equipment. It is formed in the ground by the radioactive decay of uranium, which is present in variable quantities in all rocks and soils.
Once in a building it quickly decays to produce radioactive particles which are suspended in the air. Long term exposure to radon can cause lung cancer, and the gas is blamed for between 150 and 200 lung cancer cases in Ireland every year.
The results of the RPII survey are being presented as part of its public awareness campaign, which is taking place in Kilkenny city today and tomorrow.
