Figures from the World Health Organisation suggest the number of Irish people dying as a result of exposure to the radioactive gas, radon, is far above the global average.
According to Ireland's nuclear watchdog, the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, 91,000 homes are at risk due to high radon levels.
It is one of the highest levels in Europe and, according to the WHO, politicians are not doing enough to deal with the problem which is easy to neutralise.
Radon is a colourless, odourless and tasteless radioactive gas, which is generated naturally by the decay of rocks and soils.
The gas only becomes a problem when it is trapped in the basement of a house or business and, over years, the radioactive particles can trigger lung cancer.
The WHO says between 6% and 15% of lung cancer deaths around the world every year are caused by radon.
According to the RPII, 13% of lung cancer deaths in Ireland are attributable to radon – that is 200 people every 12 months.
