The rate of radon remediation in Ireland 2011–2015: Establishing a base line rate for Ireland's National Radon Control Strategy

Radon is the greatest source of radiation exposure to the public. In Ireland, it is estimated that approximately 7% of the national housing stock have radon concentrations above the Reference Level of 200 Bq m−3. A radon test can be carried out to identify homes with radon levels above the Reference Level. However there is no health benefit associated with radon testing unless it leads to remediation. Surveys to establish the rate of remediation in Ireland, that is the proportion of householders who having found levels of radon above the Reference Level proceed to carry out remediation work have been carried out in 2011 and 2013. Reasons for not carrying out remediation work were also investigated. In 2015 the survey was repeated to establish the current rate of remediation and reasons for not remediating. This report presents the results of that survey. It also compiles the data from all three surveys to identify any trends over time. The rate of remediation is an important parameter in estimating the effectiveness of programmes aimed at reducing radon levels. Currently the rate of remediation is 22% and the main reasons householders gave for not remediating were not certain there is a serious risk and concern about the cost of the work. In Ireland, this figure of 22% will be now used as a baseline metric against which the effectiveness of its National Radon Control Strategy will be measured over time. •A 22% radon remediation rate is found amongst householders in Ireland.•This is the baseline value for rate of remediation at the beginning of Ireland’s National Radon Control Strategy.•The metric will be re-calculated to assess the effectiveness of the strategy over its lifetime.•The main reasons not to remediate are lack of concern and cost.•Ireland's rate of remediation is compared with that in other countries.