Hazardous and Toxic Substances

Asbestos removal/disposal

Enquiries please contact:

Health and Safety Authority Advice Line:

1890 289 389

Guidelines may be downloaded from EPA Website: www.epa.ie

Please note that in the EPA advice they mention using the names in the Classified Telephone Directory for asbestos removal contractors. The general public must also be aware that proof of accreditation and competency is still required and you can check with the HSA regarding qualification; simply picking a name from the telephone directory is not sufficient.

The Local Authority role regards the appropriate certificate for haulage and disposal, but not removal, in other words Waste Collection Permit, and C1 forms.

Radon Gas

Is your family exposed to radon gas? Are your employees exposed to radon gas?
Check the Radon Map of County Laois

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is linked to approximately 150 - 200 lung cancers each year in Ireland. It is colourless, odourless and tasteless.

Radon comes from radioactive decay of minute quantities of uranium present in all rocks and soils. As radon is a gas it can move freely through soil enabling it to enter the atmosphere and accumulate in buildings. It enters the buildings mainly through cracks in floors and gaps around pipes or cables.

Since July 1998, all new houses must incorporate some degree of protection against radon. The measures required are dependant on whether the house is being built in a high radon area or not. Details can be found in the Building Regulations, particularly in Technical Guidance Document C to the regulations, published by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government contactable at 1890 202021 or on their website http://www.environ.ie.

The website also contains information on corrective options that can be taken on existing buildings. Radon measurement information and details are available by contacting the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) on:
FREEPHONE RADON 1800 300 600
or email radon@rpii.ie.