A total of 77 homes in Donegal were measured for Radon as part of the national radon measurement programme.

In Co Donegal, the location with the highest level was Ballybofey. Nearly 600 homes from across the country were found to have high levels of cancer-causing radon gas so far this year.

This is the highest number identified in any period since the national programme began.

Radon is the second biggest cause of lung cancer after smoking and is linked to 150 to 200 lung cancer deaths each year in Ireland. More homes have been measured this year than ever before, due to a concerted public awareness drive on the dangers of radon.

A total of 4,296 homes were measured by the RPII for radon gas between 1st Jan and 30th August 2010. Of these, 597 were above the acceptable level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3).

The Chief Executive of the RPII Dr Ann McGarry said: "The high levels are a cause for concern, but the increase in the numbers of homes being measured is very welcome. Radon causes lung cancer, and for those with homes which have high levels, measuring is the first step towards making your home safe."

Six homes in Ireland had more than ten times the acceptable level with measurements between 2000 and 3500 Bq/m3. The radiation dose to the occupants of the home with the highest radon levels were equivalent to receiving 4375 chest X-rays per year or 12 chest X-rays per day.

Commenting on the findings, Dr Ann McGarry, Chief Executive of the RPII said: "We know that radon levels in Ireland are among the highest in Europe and there are an estimated 91,000 homes out there with high radon levels. The vast majority of householders have not had their home tested for radon gas. These figures show us that thousands of families throughout the country are unknowingly living with very high concentrations of radon gas and therefore they have no idea that they are at increased risk of developing lung cancer."

"Homeowners need to take this matter seriously and measure radon levels in their home. It doesn't matter if you live in a new or old house, in a high or low radon risk area, or even if your home already has a radon barrier. The only way to make sure that you and your family are not at risk is to test."

Measuring for radon and, in the event of a high reading, reducing the levels present are both relatively inexpensive. To test for radon, one radon detector is placed in a bedroom and a second in a living room. The detectors are small and are sent and returned by post. There is no need for anyone to visit your home to make the test.