On Monday 23 March, the Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan, officially launched the new Radon Monitor Loan Scheme in Waterford Libraries. This scheme will enable members of the public to borrow digital radon monitors to check radon levels in their homes. It is a Healthy Ireland at Your Library initiative, supported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to raise awareness of radon and promote proactive health measures.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate indoors. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Ireland after smoking. Through the scheme, library users can borrow a digital radon monitor just like a book for three weeks and this will give a good indication of radon levels in the home. While this does not replace the recommended three-month test, the monitors offer a valuable first step in identifying potential radon issues.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan, said: ‘This is an important health initiative being provided through our library and I encourage members of the community to avail of it. It is a simple step that could make a real difference to your health and wellbeing’.

‘We are delighted to be able to provide this new service of radon monitor lending in nine of our public libraries in Waterford’, said Mary Conway, Waterford City and County Librarian. ‘This is particularly important to the community that we serve as the South-East has high radon levels, and this initiative will help make homes safer and support public health’.

Ann-Marie Lawlor, Regional Snr. Health Promotion Officer for Cancer Prevention, HSE said: ‘Radon is an independent risk factor for lung cancer and causes approximately 350 lung cancer cases in Ireland each year. This new lending scheme will enable people to get an indication of radon levels in their home and, if necessary, make informed choices to reduce radon and risk to their health’.

Patrick Byrne, EPA Director said: ‘Radon is a serious public health hazard but there are clear steps we can take to reduce it in our homes. Making radon monitors available through libraries provides an easy, accessible way to help people get an indication of levels in their home. Borrow a monitor, use it at home for three weeks and get a quick indication of radon levels in your home’.

You can visit www.radon.ie to get further information on testing your home and reducing high levels to keep you and your family safe.