Radon Gas - What is Radon Gas ?

Radon Gas - What is Radon Gas ?: "Radon is a naturally occurring Radio-Active Gas caused by the breakdown of Uranium which is found in underground rock.
It is a colourless and odourless gas which disperses in air but it has been shown to be Carcinogenic with risks of contracting lung cancer.
Radon Gas can percolate through the soil and gather under the floors of buildings. It can then seep through cracks/joints in floors or holes around pipework and accumulate in the structure . It may then become trapped in the building and can only be detected by specialist detection equipment.
What is the extent of the problem ?
It is only recently that Radon Gas has been identified as being a hazard to Public Health . Consequently the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland ( R P I I ) undertook a comprehensive survey of Radon in Irish Dwellings. Approximately 11,500 houses were surveyed nationally and the results suggest that approximately 7% of Houses have Radon Concentrations in excess of the Maximum Acceptable Limit .
In July 1999 , based on the Survey results , the R P I I published a map Radon in Irish Buildings which subdivided the country into a grid of squares ( 10km. x 10km.) . Squares were designated High Radon Areas where it was predicted that more than 10% of the houses located therein had excessive levels.

What is being done about it ?
The Building Regulations were altered in 1998 to deal with Radon . Consequently it is mandatory that all new houses be fitted with a means of extracting radon gas. This normally consists of a Radon Collection Sump located in the sub floor and piped through the external walls. Should Radon subsequently be found in High Levels then it can be extracted safely by providing a fan on the pipework.