National Radon Control Strategy David Pollard

Radon in Ireland Radon is the second cause of lung cancer (after smoking) and accounts for 250 cases in Ireland per year

Ireland has a more severe radon problem than many of its European neighbours (due mainly to geology and climate)

•7% of houses have a radon problem •⅓ country: high risk

Key challenges? Radon is a natural hazard (no one to blame)

While the epidemiological evidence is overwhelming – it is not possible to point to individuals who have “died from radon”

Lack of understanding makes the problem difficult to deal with. (can be daunting for householders)

Because harm occurs in the future easy to defer action

Strategies for reducing indoor radon 1. Direct action by authorities (schools, public buildings, etc) 2. Regulation (workplaces, new buildings) 3. Awareness raising and persuasion (homes)

Increasing challenge

Characteristics of an effective radon response Requires action from Government, industry and individuals.

Behavioural change essential

Whole-of-government whole-of-society approach (Health in All Policies) Target actions which achieve the best public health outcomes

Responsibility for action on radon does not fall to any one Department or agency

National Radon Control Strategy The strategy sets out 48 recommendations in 6 thematic areas.

Prevention in new buildings

Awareness raising Addressing radon in work places and public buildings

Using property transactions to drive testing

Confidence in radon services

Supporting individuals

National Radon Control Strategy •Training of site staff and building professionals. •Strengthen technical guidance in light of experience since 1998. •Use new building control framework to ensure sign off on radon prevention.

Prevention in new buildings

Awareness raising Addressing radon in work places and public buildings

Using property transactions to drive testing Confidence in radon services

Supporting individual

National Radon Control Strategy

Prevention in new buildings

Awareness raising

Addressing work places and public buildings

Using property transactio ns to drive testing Building confidence in services

Supporting individuals

•Exchanging information on radon when selling a property. •Addressing radon through the private rental sector regulations. •Continued action on social housing

National Radon Control Strategy

Prevention in new buildings

Awareness raising

Addressing radon in work places and public buildings

Using property transactions to drive testing Confidence in radon services

Supporting individuals

•Remediation training. •Listing system for remediation contractors. •Validation of testing services.

National Radon Control Strategy Prevention in new buildings

Awareness raising Addressing radon in work places and public buildings

Using property transactions to drive testing Confidence in radon services

Supporting individuals

•Impartial remediation advice. •Consistency of message between agencies. •Consider use of financial incentives. •Joined up approach with smoking cessation advice.

National Radon Control Strategy Prevention in new buildings

Awareness raising

•Updates to current regulations. •Interagency approach to enforcement & awareness. •Focus on high occupancy public buildings (schools).

Addressing radon in work places and public buildings

Using property transactions to drive testing Confidence in radon services

Supporting individuals

National Radon Control Strategy

•Coherent cross Government Prevention in new message on radon. buildings •Availability of information through web & other channels. Awareness •Raising awareness among raising householders, employers and building managers. Addressing •Raising awareness indirectly radon in work places through key influencers (teachers, and public buildings solicitors, surveyors, health professionals, etc).

Using property transactions to drive testing Confidence in radon services

Supporting individuals

Next Steps  Establish NRCS coordination group.  Develop a detailed implementation plan and milestones based on the 4 year timeframe and phasing set in NRCS.  Actions already underway include: baseline surveys, interagency coordination, research to support technical guidance, social housing and awareness raising.  Phase 1 priorities include: technical guidance, building control, training and contractor listing.

Acknowledgements