This article is from page 13 of the 2006-08-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
HOME OWNERS in Clare are being advised to have their homes tested for Radon levels, with current testing procedures regarded as inaccurate.
Anthony McLaughlin of the Clarecastle-based Radon Aware Group says that many homes in Clare are not sufficiently safeguarded against the naturally-occurring, cancer-causing gas. Recent figures released by the RPII have shown that levels of Radon gas were above the national safe level in 15 per cent of Clare homes, a figure twice the national average. Mr McLaughlin warned that inadequate Radon inspections are leaving those who certify buildings open to litigation.
“The law states that a fully sealed membrane should be installed over the entire footprint of the building, but inspections on building sites are not being done to a high standard at all. It means that the person who certifies the building will be wide open to legal action. Many people in Clare have not had their homes tested so would be unaware if any problems existed.”
The RPII are recommending that all homes being placed for sale on the open market should be tested for Radon gas and, where necessary, remediation should be approved in the mortgage approval process.
It is recommended in other jurisdictions that one of the solicitors retain a sum from the sale proceeds pending the result of a Radon test. This sum is usually around €3,000.
If the test results fall below the action level, the money is returned to the vendor, normally within six months. If above the action level, the money is used to carry out mitigation work that usually costs between €500 and €3,000, with the surplus returned to the seller. It is not yet known whether this system will be introduced in Ireland, but the RPII has already made submissions to the Law Reform Commission and all major banks on the issue.
Radon Aware Group are currently working a new smoke detection system that would highlight leaks in the protective membrane. Homeowners are also advised that the radon extract sump which vents the gas should be capped as many have been left open after houses are built.
The RPII estimates that 10-15 per cent of the 1,500 lung cancer deaths caused in Ireland each year can be linked to radon gas.