Radiation

The Irish population is exposed to radiation from either natural or man-made sources present in the environment.

Take action on your radiation dose

Radiation in our environment

The EPA carries out rigorous and continuous testing to ensure that environmental radiation remains within internationally agreed and legal safety limits. These tests ensure that we are quickly aware of any change in environmental radiation in Ireland and able to provide you with any health warnings and protection advice necessary. The radiation doses received as a result of artificial radioactivity are small compared with those received as a result of natural radiation and do not constitute a significant health risk.

What's happening with radiation?

Electromagnetic spectrum

On one end of the spectrum, known as ionising radiation, the radiation has enough energy to cause damage to human cells and can potentially lead to cancer. This can come from man-made radioactive waste, X-rays, nuclear accidents or it can come from naturally occurring sources such as radon, radiation in food and soils or indeed radiation from outer space.

On the other end of the spectrum, known as non-ionising radiation, radiation does not have enough energy to break up molecules and no health effects have been identified for members of the public below guideline levels. This type of radiation can come from man-made mobile phones, electrical appliances, power lines, microwave ovens or it can come from natural sources such as the earth’s magnetic field, lightning storms, the sun or even our own bodies. This type of non-ionising radiation is often called Electromagnetic fields (EMF).

 

Exposure and Health

Electromagnetic fields

What's being done?

Ionising radiation has a wide range of applications in modern society including the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, security scanning at airports and ensuring that our bridges and other infrastructure are free from critical defects. Because of its inherent danger, its use is strictly regulated by the EPA.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can build up to unacceptable levels in homes and workplaces. The EPA recommends that you test your home as approximately 350 cases of lung cancer each year in Ireland are linked to radon.

While there are no nuclear power plants in Ireland, an accident abroad could result in contamination of the Irish environment. The EPA closely monitors the Irish environment to detect any changes in levels of radiation. The EPA works closely with the Government, international agencies, emergency services and licensed operators to ensure a rapid response to any radiological emergency in Ireland.

The EPA monitors public exposure to Electromagnetic fields (EMF) and provides independent scientific advice on its impact.

Regulation

Radon

Thoron

National monitoring network

Radiation Emergencies

Electromagnetic fields (EMF)

Latest report on Radiation

in: Radiation
Decorative image of Pie Chart showing national average radiation dose
Radiation Dose Received by the Irish Population 2024

Publication

This is a new assessment, completed by EPA and the Health Information and Quality Authority, of the average radiation dose received by the Irish population.

Report cover
Code of Practice on the Application of the Ionising Radiation Regulations (IRR19) in Dentistry

Oral radiology is an essential part of modern dentistry and brings very significant benefits for patients. Any use of ionising radiation carries intrinsic risks and hence the use of radiology in dentistry is regulated to ensure the safety of patients, staff and members of the public.

Code of Practice Veterinary Medicine cover image
Code of Practice on the Application of the Ionising Radiation Regulations (IRR19) in Veterinary Medicine

Applications of ionising radiation using either X-rays or radionuclides are an essential part of modern veterinary medicine and bring very significant benefits in the diagnosis and treatment of animals. Any use of ionising radiation, however, carries intrinsic risks and hence its use is regulated to ensure the safety of people.

Report cover
Survey on Attitudes to Radiation in Ireland, October 2020

This report presents the findings of an online survey carried out by Amárach in October 2020 on behalf of EPA to assess the attitudes of the public in Ireland to radiation.

Sketch outline of person earing backpack and arms outstretched with photo of mountain hike track as background
Ireland’s State of the Environment Report 2024 - Chapter 14

Ireland’s State of the Environment Report 2024 provides an update on the environmental challenges that we face both nationally and globally. This is chapter 14 from the report which summarizes the key messages and environmental challenges for Environment, Health and Wellbeing in Ireland. The report adds to a range of thematic and research reports available from the EPA that cover many of the issues reported on in more detail.

FAQs about radiation

in: Radiation

The Irish population is exposed to radiation from several sources, which are present either naturally in the environment or have been produced artificially by man.

Popular FAQs

  • How can I reduce thoron?

    Improve ventilation. Unlike radon, thoron comes from walls, so radon sumps or barriers won’t reduce the levels of thoron.

  • Should I worry if my levels are high?

    Not unless the EPA contacts you directly and recommends action.

  • What level of thoron in a house should give cause for concern?

    There are currently no reference levels available in Ireland or internationally. The purpose of this survey is to gather data to help inform policy makers on any future guidelines or reference levels that might be set. 

  • How does the detector kit work?

    The detector kit is called ‘passive’ because it doesn’t need any power, like a battery, to work. It contains a special material inside that detect tiny gas particles from thoron and radon. These particles leave tiny marks, which are later measured in a lab to find out the levels in your home. 

  • Where should I place the detector kit?

    In the room you use most, like your bedroom, living room, or kitchen. Hang it on a wall near the building materials, using a hook or fixture. If you don’t have a suitable fixture, the EPA can provide temporary adhesive hooks. These hooks are designed to minimise damage and typically do not remove paint or wallpaper. However, we cannot guarantee this, so please use them at your own risk. 

     

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