EPA urges Wexford households to test for radon as awareness of cancer risk declines

Households are being urged to test their homes for radon gas, as new research from the Environmental Protection Agency shows awareness of the health risks linked to the gas has fallen in recent years.

Radon is Ireland’s largest source of radiation exposure and is a leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. The colourless and odourless gas occurs naturally in the ground and can enter homes through cracks in floors, gaps around pipes and other openings, where it can build up without people realising.

An EPA survey of more than 1,000 adults found awareness of radon dropped from 82% in 2020 to 71% in 2025. The survey also found that more than half of people were unaware of the link between radon exposure and lung cancer, while fewer than half of those aware of the risks were likely to test their homes.

The EPA says testing is the only way to know if a home has high radon levels, with a test costing around €50 through approved suppliers.

Speaking on Morning Mix, Andy Fanning from the EPA highlighted a service available to households in Wexford, where people can borrow digital radon monitors through the local library service.

He said: “They have a digital radon monitor, so you can actually get a radon monitor that you can take out as easily as taking out a book in the library service. And that will give you an indication of the levels in your house.”

The EPA is encouraging people to take action, particularly as around a third of Ireland is classified as a high radon area.

EPA Director of the Office of Radiation Protection and Environmental Monitoring Patrick Byrne said testing is a simple step that can help protect families from long-term exposure.

He said: “Radon is our largest source of radiation exposure and a leading cause of lung cancer. Testing for radon in your home is simple and we urge all households to take this step.”

The EPA says if high levels are detected, radon problems can usually be fixed with straightforward measures to reduce exposure.

More information on testing and approved services is available through the EPA’s radon resources.