Radon Information for Homeowners, Builders, and Employers

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that originates from the decay of uranium which is present in all rocks and soils. It is invisible, tasteless, and odourless, and can only be detected using specialised equipment. While radon disperses harmlessly outdoors, it can sometimes accumulate to dangerous levels inside buildings, posing serious health risks.

Health Risks

Radon decays into radioactive particles that, when inhaled, can damage lung tissue and increase the risk of lung cancer. In Ireland, approximately 350 cases of lung cancer annually are linked to radon exposure.

High Radon Areas

Certain regions in Ireland are designated as High Radon Areas, where homes and workplaces are more likely to have elevated radon levels. You can check if your property is in a high radon area using the EPA's updated risk maps

Legal and Regulatory Requirements

Under Article 66 of S.I. No. 30 of 2019, employers in high radon areas must test their premises.  The acceptable level, or Reference Level, for workplaces in Ireland is 300 Bq/m3. If following a radon measurement, radon concentrations above this value are found, remediation measures to reduce the radon levels are required and must be completed within 12 months.

Radon is easy to test for and it is easy to reduce the levels of radon in your home or workplace.

The Technical Guidance Document C (2023 Amendment) outlines best practices for radon mitigation in new buildings. Key recommendations include:

  • Section 2.16: Installation of radon protection measures does not guarantee levels below the reference threshold. Owners should test once the building is occupied and again after any remediation.
  • Section 2.7: The National Reference Level for long-term exposure in dwellings is 200 Bq/m³. Remedial action should be considered above this level.

🔗 Further Information