Detection and measurement

Until a building is fully constructed and in use, it would be impractical to assess the severity of a radon problem. For this reason, precautions are included on sites where radon is likely to be a problem.Currently, long-term measurements performed after the construction of individual houses are the only reliable method for assessing radon levels.

Two passive radon detectors placed in a house (one in the main living space and one in the master bedroom for at least 3 months) is the standard measurement procedure in Ireland for assessing the average radon concentration. Consult the RPII website for details on obtaining radon detectors.

Image - Typical radon detector

A national survey of radon in dwellings in Ireland was undertaken by the RPII identifies High Radon Areas. The survey presents its results per grid based on the 10 km National Grid. Dwellings were randomly selected, their results then tabulated to predict the average percentage of dwellings in each grid square with radon concentration greater than the NRL average of 200 Bq/m^3^. High Radon Areas are grid squares with greater than 10% of dwellings over the NRL average.