CR3 News Magazine 2018 VOL 3: MAY Radon and Early Detection | Page 13

Some 460,000 people at risk from cancer-causing
radon gas
Scientists produce new map showing areas at risk from radon gas
Tue, May 23, 2017, 13:05 Updated: Tue, May 23, 2017, 18:12
Elaine Edwards
According to Trinity College scientists, one in 10 of the population is at risk from radon
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Up to 460,000 people in the State – one in 10 of the population – are at risk from unsafe exposure to indoor
radon gas, which may cause lung cancer.
A radon risk map published by scientists at Trinity College Dublin shows that about 10 per cent of the
population is exposed to radon that exceeds maximum recommended levels.
Radon is a natural radioactive gas present in all soils and is the principal source of radiation exposure,
making up 56 per cent of the overall dose in Ireland.
Exposure increases the likelihood of developing lung cancer, and causes about 250 deaths from lung cancer
here each year – a higher number of fatalities than is caused by road traffic accidents.