The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that buildings be tested for radon - a home testing kit costs around €60. Retrofitting homes to improve insulation increases the risk of radon poisoning if it is not carried out correctly. Radon is the second most common cause of lung cancer in Ireland after smoking and causes 300 deaths a year. Modern building regulations require radon barriers to be installed during construction but most Irish homes were built before protections were mandatory. Dr McGrath said the dangers should not be overlooked in the rush to get homes retrofitted.

Source: Irish Independent March 01, 2021 02:37 UTC