Library loan scheme in Meath aims to tackle radon, a leading cause of lung cancer
Residents in Meath can now borrow digital radon monitors from their local library under a new initiative aimed at helping people check radon levels in their homes.
The scheme, launched by Meath County Council’s library service, allows members of the public to borrow a monitor in the same way they would borrow a book.
The initiative is part of the Healthy Ireland at Your Library programme and is supported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can build up indoors and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Ireland after smoking.
Under the scheme, a digital monitor can be borrowed for three weeks to give householders an indication of the level of radon present in their home. While the reading is not a substitute for the recommended three-month radon test, it can help identify whether further testing may be needed.
County Librarian Maedhbh Rogan-McGann said the programme highlights the evolving role of libraries as community hubs.
“We're here to support people and the wider community in practical and meaningful ways. Libraries are important community hubs, and our services have expanded far beyond the traditional.”
“This is an important health initiative being provided through our library, and we encourage people to avail of it. It’s a simple step that could make a real difference to your health and wellbeing,” she added.
The initiative has already been rolled out in a number of counties, including Cork, Wexford and Wicklow, and is now expanding to additional library services across the country.
Patrick Byrne, director at the EPA, said increasing awareness and access to testing is key to reducing the health risks associated with radon exposure.
“Radon is a serious health risk, and the EPA recommends that everyone test for radon in their home,” he said.
“We are pleased to work with the libraries to make radon monitors freely available in communities across Ireland."
“This is an important opportunity to help people take a simple, practical first step to find out about radon levels in their home and make informed choices to reduce the risk to their health.”
Radon is estimated to cause about 350 cases of lung cancer in Ireland each year. The gas forms naturally from the breakdown of uranium in rocks and soil and can enter buildings through cracks in floors, gaps around pipes and other openings.
While digital monitors provide a “snapshot in time” of the radon levels in a building, it is said that the most accurate way to measure radon in a home is through a three-month test. This involves placing two small detectors in commonly used rooms, such as a bedroom and living room, before returning them for analysis.
Further information about testing and reducing radon levels is available at the EPA’s radon information website, www.radon.ie, or via the EPA’s freephone radon helpline.