Employers based in areas where there are known to be high levels of the cancer-causing gas, Radon, are being urged to carry out tests on their premises.
The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland says it has received a 'disappointing' response to its request for home-owners and employers to conduct tests, even though the gas is held responsible for 200 deaths each year.
Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas generated by the decay of uranium in rocks and soils. It is colourless, odourless and tasteless.
Radon is harmless when surfacing in the open air but becomes dangerous when entering an enclosed space, such as the basement of a house. Over a period of time, it can cause lung cancer to occupants.
In its annual report, the Radiological Institute of Ireland points out that while high-level areas across the country have been identified, it has received a disappointing response from the public, and in particular employers, for simple test kits.
The kit only needs to be left in a house for three months and a result can be determined within a matter of days.
The Institute says the only way to know if a building has a problem is to have the building tested.
Chief Executive Dr Ann McGarry says that it is mandatory for all employers in high-risk areas to do it.
