Radon Test - Your Home

All homes should be tested - even new homes which have radon barriers installed.
Radon barriers are very unreliable - there is growing evidence that over 50% of barriers installed in Ireland are failing.
The safety limit for your home is 200 Bq/m3, above which action is recommended.
The radon test is straightforward as follows:

The radon test kit is sent to you by post.
It fits through your letter box.
Each kit contains 2 detectors in a sealed protective bag.
The bag is cut open to take out the detectors.

Each detector is a simple box that contains a sensitive material you can’t see. If there is any radon in your home it seeps through the black box and marks the sensitive material.

One detector is placed in the main living area and one detector is placed in the main bedroom.
The detectors are placed on tables or shelves, between 1 and 2 metres above the ground.
The detectors are left there for 3 months after which they are posted back to The Radon Centre.

In the laboratory we open up the detectors and remove the sensitive material.
Do not open the detector yourself – you will destroy the test.
The sensitive material can be seen in the images above – the small square piece of transparent plastic.
Each piece is analysed for radon gas marks under a microscope.
A report of the results is then sent to you.

Workplace Testing

Workplaces are regulated by The Radiological Protection Act, 1991, and The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989.
Employers are required to test the workplace and to take remedial action where necessary - the legal action level for radon in the workplace is 400 Bq/m3.

How many detectors per workplace?

1 detector in each ground floor office (including basements).
Open plan offices - 1 detector for every 200m2 floor area.
Warehouses / Production areas - 1 detector for every 400m2 floor area.
Toilets, janitorial cupboards and other such unoccupied rooms are not required to be tested. But canteens & rest rooms should be tested.
Work areas or warehouses that are open to the outside with good airflows are not required to be tested.
Split levels or unusual building structures - please contact us to discuss.
For more information and advice see our Radon in Workplaces page.