Irish exposed to higher radiation levels

People in Ireland are exposed to higher levels of radiation than many other European countries, according to a new report by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII).

The results, based on a 3-year study, show that the radiation dose received by the Irish population is 9% higher than previously thought.

The report is the most comprehensive study on radiation ever undertaken in Ireland. It reveals that while the Irish population are exposed to all sources of radiation, radon gas is the primary source of radiation in Ireland. Radon is a naturally occurring cancer-causing gas and is the second most important cause of lung cancer in the country. Over 95% of all radiation exposure in the workplace is due to radon.

Radiation from medical procedures was identified as a matter of potential concern. Dr Tony Colgan, Director of Advisory Services at the RPII said that “in recent years several countries have experienced a very significant increase in the radiation exposure of patients. Many of the new diagnostic techniques now available routinely deliver relatively high radiation doses and it is important that, at the individual level and in consultation with expert medical advice, each exposure is fully justified.”

The report notes that radiation doses in Ireland attributable to discharges from the Sellafield reprocessing plant are low (less than 1%) compared to other sources of radiation exposure.

Posted Tuesday 5th August 2008