Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland : 11firms facing court over lack of radon gas tests

11 firms facing court over lack of radon gas tests
14/11/2005 - 09:21:59

The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland has announced plans to prosecute 11 companies for failing to protect their employees against radon gas.

The institute said the companies in Co Clare and Co Kerry would be taken to court for failing to conduct tests for the substance.

Radon is a colourless, odourless gas that seeps up through the ground in certain areas and can get trapped in buildings with poor ventilation.

It is blamed for 200 lung cancer deaths in Ireland every year, making it the second highest cause of the condition after smoking.

RPII spokesman Tony Colgan said many companies had been asked by the institute to measure radon levels in their buildings and the 11 facing prosecution had totally ignored these requests.