A recent study has indicated that the lion’s share of the typical radiological dose is derived from natural radiation sources, and medical measures such as X-rays and CT scans. This research, conducted by the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), was issued on Tuesday and scrutinised the radiological doses that the community in Ireland has absorbed over the previous five years.
This Ionising Radiation- National Does Report analysed radiation exposures derived from multiple sources including the environment, our diet, the air we breathe, and medical procedures. The study’s outcomes serve to update a similar evaluation carried out in 2014, revealing that the average dose is still comparable to what was found ten years prior.
The research discovered that Radon, a radioactive gas commonly found in indoor environments, is responsible for nearly 60% of the dose, with exposure to Thoron, another radioactive gas, accounting for over 8%. Furthermore, cosmic radiation contributes roughly 9%, with 2% of that being sustained during flights. Ground gamma radiation and our diet and drinking water contribute to 7% and 6% of radiation exposure, respectively.
Radiation doses in Ireland tend to be slightly higher than the European average, primarily due to in-home and workplace exposure to Radon. As Radon represents nearly 60% of the yearly dose, the EPA has expressed concerns since this naturally occurring radioactive gas is a major lung cancer culprit.
Radiation from man-made sources like overseas nuclear facilities’ discharges, historic nuclear weapons’ fallout, and previous nuclear accidents, amounts to less than 1% of the total exposure.
Dr Micheal Lehane, Director of the EPA, emphasised the risks of high Radon levels in homes, stating that it exposes families to avoidable radiation. However, he assured that Radon testing is simple and there are effective solutions to diminish high levels when deemed necessary. He stressed the importance of sealing the base of buildings to prevent Radon infiltration during construction, and encouraged current homeowners to get their homes tested for Radon, to protect themselves and their families from this hazardous gas.
For comprehensive political conversations and analysis, tune into our Inside Politics podcast.