Radon

Test your home for radon

Every home has different amounts of radon so even if your neighbours have tested their home for radon, you should still test your home.

A map showing the risk of radon in all parts of the Republic of Ireland

Radon Risk Map of Ireland

Check your risk from radon on our map. A High Radon Area is an area where it is predicted that more than 10% of homes will exceed the national reference level.

Take action on your dose from radon

Are you in a High Radon Area? Calculate your dose from radon

Radon and your health

Radon in our environment

Radon can cause lung cancer and is in the same group of carcinogens as asbestos and tobacco smoke. In the air, radon decays quickly to produce radioactive particles that, when inhaled, are deposited in the airways and on lung tissue to give a radiation dose that can cause lung cancer.

What's happening with radon?

Illustration of the many routes radon gas can enter a house

Radon can enter your home from the ground through small cracks in floors and through gaps around pipes or cables. Radon gas can be sucked from the ground into a home because the indoor air pressure is usually slightly lower than outside. The reason for this is that warmer indoor air rises, resulting in slightly lower pressure indoors. Homes and workplaces in some parts of the country are more likely to have a radon problem. These parts of the country are called High Radon Areas. You can check our interactive map to see whether your home or workplace is in a High Radon Area. A radon test is the only way to know if there are high levels of radon where you are.

Health risks

Testing

Fixing a radon problem

What's being done?

Since 2014, the Government has had a National Radon Control Strategy (NRCS) setting out the actions that are needed to reduce the number of radon related lung cancers in Ireland.

The EPA regularly holds a National Radon Forum to bring together all those that are working to reduce the exposure of the Irish public from radon to discuss progress in implementing the NRCS and the results of radon research.

By law, employers now have a responsibility to test their workplace for radon, when that workplace is in a High Radon Area or if it is an underground workplace. If the radon in your workplace is greater than 300 Bq/m³, you must take action to reduce radon levels to protect the health of workers.

National Radon Control Strategy

National Radon Forum

Radon in workplaces

Latest report on Radon

in: Radon

Ionising Radiation National Dose Report

Ionising Radiation National Dose Report 2024

This is a new assessment, completed by EPA and the Health information and Quality Authority, of the average radiation dose received by the Irish population.

National Radon Control Strategy Phase 2 2019-2024

This report outlines the Government's strategy to reduce the risk from radon related lung cancer.

Cover of the Radon National Control Strategy report

NRCS knowledge gaps, Phase-2

Sketch outline of person earing backpack and arms outstretched with photo of mountain hike track as background

Ireland’s State of the Environment Report 2024 - Chapter 14

Ireland’s State of the Environment Report 2024 provides an update on the environmental challenges that we face both nationally and globally. This is chapter 14 from the report which summarizes the key messages and environmental challenges for Environment, Health and Wellbeing in Ireland. The report adds to a range of thematic and research reports available from the EPA that cover many of the issues reported on in more detail.

FAQs about radon

in: Radon

Radon is the largest source of radiation dose to the Irish population with about 60% of your exposure due to this carcinogenic gas.

Popular FAQ's

Where can I find out more about radon, the EPA, the National Radon Control Strategy and the survey? 

You can call our Freefone number 1800 300 600, visit our website www.radon.ie or email radonsurvey@epa.ie.
What if my house has high levels of radon?

If the test shows your house has high levels of radon, we will advise you on ways to reduce these levels: www.epa.ie/environment-and-you/radon/fixing-a-radon-problem/. Improving indoor ventilation can sometimes be sufficient to address moderate levels of radon. For higher levels, remediation work may be needed. A fan assisted sump can be installed in a day and can reduce radon levels by over 90%.
What will the EPA do with my information and how long will it be held? 

Your house’s location, the information shared in the questionnaire, and your radon result will be used by the EPA in its National Radon Survey 2025 and for associated research informing the National Radon Control Strategy, but this information will not be linked to you personally. The EPA will store your name and address for two years from the date your results are issued to you. Your Eircode, questionnaire information and radon results will be retained for EPA research purposes.
Where will my information be shared? 

Your name and address will be shared with a logistics company so that they can post your radon test kit directly to you. Your information will also be shared with the radon testing company who will analyse your radon test kit and send you a report with your results. The EPA will also receive a copy of your results for use in our research. The house location, radon result and questionnaire answers will be shared with EPA’s research partner.
Why has my house been selected to take part? 

Your address is one of many which has been randomly selected. Please note this is a limited offer and is subject to availability. The offer is available only to the address on this letter.

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Radon charts and graphs

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Distribution of average radiation dose in Ireland

More than half the average annual dose to a person in Ireland is from exposure to radon.

Distribution of average radiation dose, radon highlighted

Dose from radon as a percentage of all sources of radiation dose in Ireland

Almost 60% of the average annual radiation dose to a person in Ireland comes from exposure to radon.