People’s awareness levels of Radon and associated health risks is declining, says the EPA.
- Radon gas is Ireland’s largest source of radiation exposure and is a leading cause of lung cancer.
- A new EPA survey of attitudes toward radiation showed awareness of radon gas has dropped from 82% in 2020 to 71% in 2025.
- More than half of respondents were unaware of the link between radon and lung cancer. Even when people are aware of radon gas, fewer than half are likely to test their homes.
- The most significant sources of radiation exposure in Ireland arise from natural radiation in the environment, including radon, and medical exposures. However, people are more concerned about nuclear facilities abroad and damage to the environment.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today published the findings of a national survey on attitudes to radiation in Ireland. Over a thousand adults were surveyed, on behalf of the EPA, to understand public awareness of, and concerns about, radiation.
The survey indicates that only 31% of respondents are concerned about radiation. Worryingly, the findings revealed the level of awareness of radon had dropped from 82% in 2020 to 71% in 2025. Radon gas is Ireland’s leading source of radiation exposure. It accounts for more than half of the radiation dose received by the Irish population and is the leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking. Radon gas can enter your home from the ground through small cracks in floors and through gaps around pipes or cables.
The survey found most people are:-
► Not concerned about the health risk of radon.
► Unaware that radon exposure is linked to lung cancer.
► Unlikely to test their home for radon levels.
Commenting on the survey, Mr Patrick Byrne, (EPA Director of the Office of Radiation Protection and Environmental Monitoring), said: “The EPA is concerned to see a decline in radon awareness, and the continued reluctance among householders to test their homes. We found that many believe that their property is not affected. This is particularly worrying given that radon is our largest source of radiation exposure and a leading cause of lung cancer. Testing for radon in your home is simple and we urge all households to take this step to protect themselves and their families. It costs about €50 and the EPA website has a list of companies that supply the monitors. Reducing you and your family’s exposure to this harmful gas can be achieved using simple and effective methods.”
The survey found that one of the top radiation-related concerns was how nuclear facilities abroad affect Ireland.
Dr Kevin Kelleher, (EPA Senior Scientific Officer), responded to this, noting: “Although our survey indicates public concern over such facilities, our research indicates that a nuclear emergency abroad would not have a significant radiological impact on Ireland. However, it is reassuring to see that the public would follow guidance from Government and expert bodies in the event of such an emergency.”
The National Radon Control Strategy which is led by the Department of the Climate, Energy and the Environment, brings together departments and state agencies to take action to reduce radon risk. The EPA will use the findings of this survey to strengthen its awareness work under the Strategy to drive testing and remediation to reduce radon risk to people’s health.
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