Radon monitor loan scheme launched in Waterford

The Mayor of Waterford City and County, Councillor Seamus Ryan has officially launched the new Radon Monitor Loan Scheme in Waterford Libraries. 

The launch took place on Monday, March 23, and the scheme will enable members of the public to borrow digital radon monitors to check radon levels in their homes.

A spokesperson for Waterford Council said the scheme is a 'Healthy Ireland at Your Library' initiative, supported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to raise awareness of radon and promote proactive health measures.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate indoors. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Ireland after smoking.

Through the scheme, library users can borrow a digital radon monitor, just like a book, for three weeks and this will give a good indication of radon levels in their home. While this does not replace the recommended three-month test, the monitors offer a valuable first step in identifying potential radon issues.

Mayor Ryan said: "This is an important health initiative being provided through our library and I encourage members of the community to avail of it. It is a simple step that could make a real difference to your health and wellbeing."

Meanwhile, Waterford City & County Librarian, Mary Conway said: "We are delighted to be able to provide this new service of radon monitor lending in nine of our public libraries in Waterford."

"This is particularly important to the community that we serve as the South-East has high radon levels, and this initiative will help make homes safer and support public health," she said.

Ann-Marie Lawlor, Regional Senior Health Promotion Officer for Cancer Prevention, HSE said: "Radon is an independent risk factor for lung cancer and causes approximately 350 lung cancer cases in Ireland each year. This new lending scheme will enable people to get an indication of radon levels in their home and, if necessary, make informed choices to reduce radon and risk to their health".

EPA Director, Patrick Byrne also highlighed the significance of Radon in terms of public health and said: "Radon is a serious public health hazard, but there are clear steps we can take to reduce it in our homes. Making radon monitors available through libraries provides an easy, accessible way to help people get an indication of levels in their home."

"Borrow a monitor, use it at home for three weeks and get a quick indication of radon levels in your home," said Mr Byrne. 

To find out more information on testing your home go to www.radon.ie 

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