Development of the Irish Radon Control Strategy. David Fenton Environmental Protection Agency

Transcription

1 Development of the Irish Radon Control Strategy David Fenton Environmental Protection Agency

2 Structure of my presentation n Radon in Ireland, the scale of the problem n The work done to date n Steps towards a national radon strategy n Engaging the political system n An outline of the National Radon Control Strategy in Ireland

3 Radon in Ireland n 7% of the housing stock above 200 Bq/m 3 n Average indoor concentration = 89 Bq/m 3 n Approx 1/3 of the country classified as 150 high risk. n Problem is significant by international comparison

4 Progress to date in Ireland

5 Steps towards the National Radon Strategy Recognition & agreement among stakeholders (relevant agencies/ministries/departments) that there is a problem Definition of the problem Agreement across the political and administration systems that the problem must be tackled

6 Steps to a National Radon Strategy n Formal process of devising the strategy agreed n Economic analysis showing the need for a strategy n Government decision to agree and implement a strategy n Implementation Without political support it is very difficult to get past step two

7 Building political support n Radon publicity over many years in Ireland has increased public awareness and consequently political attention to radon. n Such campaigns made radon difficult to ignore n Local campaigns, public meetings, media, radio, mailshots, n Support from other stakeholders and agencies (Education authorities, Local Government, health authorities) also crucial to building political support.

8 Public Engaging Stakeholders Householders Employers Employees/ unions Building Industry Builders, architects, etc solicitors, etc Rn Measurement and remediation industry Representative organisations Governmental Local authorities Health professionals Central Government/ agencies

9 Stakeholder issues n High awareness of radon but poor understanding of the issues. n Not an instant killer, can t identify individuals killed by radon therefore people defer action. n Concern that remediation will cause major disruption, effect value of house, fear of being taken advantage of, etc n The radon message is not perceived as coming from Government if it is the second biggest cause of lung cancer then why is the Government not doing something about it

10 Challenges for developing radon policy n Wide range of decision makers are required to tackle radon. Radiation protection policy is just one. n Many of the solutions outside the scope of the radiation protection framework. n Decision makers have a poor understanding of radon and they already have other responsibilities n Need to clearly demonstrate that Government is behind the solution.

11 Key messages from economic analysis n Incorporation of prevention into new buildings at the time of construction is generally the most cost effective intervention. n It is expensive and difficult to find high radon homes and to persuade householders to act. n Awareness and remediation programmes need to be carefully targeted. n Cost effectiveness of remediation improved by measures which increase test uptake and remediation rates (linking to house sales, rental agreements).

12 Irish National Radon Control Strategy The National Radon Control Strategy for Ireland was launched in February 2014

13 Irish National Radon Control Strategy The strategy sets out 48 recommendations in six thematic areas.

14 National Radon Control Strategy Training of site staff and building professionals. Strengthen technical guidance in light of experience since Use the new building control framework to ensure sign off on radon prevention.

15 National Radon Control Strategy Exchanging information on radon when selling a property. Addressing radon through the private rental sector regulations. Continued action on social housing

16 National Radon Control Strategy Listing system for remediation contractors. Remediation training. Validation of testing services.

17 National Radon Control Strategy Impartial remediation advice. Consistency of message between agencies. Joined up approach with smoking cessation advice.

18 National Radon Control Strategy Updates to current regulations. Interagency approach to enforcement & awareness. Focus on high occupancy public buildings (schools).

19 National Radon Control Strategy Coherent cross Government message on radon. Availability of information through web & other channels. Raising awareness among householders, employers and building managers. Raising awareness indirectly through key influencers (solicitors, surveyors, health professionals, etc).

20 Summary and Next Steps n NRCS coordination group has been established. n A detailed implementation plan and milestones based on the 4 year timeframe has been set out n Actions already underway include: baseline surveys, interagency coordination, research to support technical guidance, social housing and awareness raising. n Phase 1 priorities include: technical guidance, building control, training and contractor registration

21 Conclusions on developing a national strategy n Recognise that radon is not a typical radiation protection problem. n Tackling radon requires engagement from a variety of stakeholders. n Political support is crucial. n Action on radon can clearly be shown to be cost effective. n Addressing radon through voluntary measures is a slow process (use regulation or other requirements where practicable).