Director of Services Barry Lynch, An Cathaoirleach Cllr Wayne Harding and Mary Murphy, Executive Librarian at Meath County Council Library Service at the launch of the new initiative where people will be able to borrow radon testing kits from their local libraries.

Radon test kits available to borrow at local libraries

Noelle Finegan

Published: Mon 9 Mar 2026, 11:45 AM

Meath County Council Library Service has launched a new Radon Monitor Loan Scheme, enabling members of the public to borrow digital radon monitors to check radon levels in their homes.

It is a Healthy Ireland at Your Library initiative, supported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to raise awareness of radon and promote proactive health measures.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate indoors. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Ireland after smoking. Through the scheme, library users can borrow a digital radon monitor just like a book, gaining a snapshot of radon levels in their homes. While not a replacement for the recommended three-month test, the monitors offer a valuable first step in identifying potential radon issues.

“We’re delighted to offer this important service to our community,” said County Librarian Maedhbh Rogan-McGann. “At the Meath County Council Library Service, 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.”

Meath County Council Cathaoirleach Wayne Harding with one of the radon meters available to borrow from local libraries.

The initiative has already seen success in Cork County, Wexford and Wicklow, and is now expanding to additional libraries and local authorities across the country

Patrick Byrne EPA Director said: “Radon is a serious health risk, and the EPA recommends that everyone test for radon in their home. 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 causes about 350 lung cancer cases in Ireland each year. Borrowing a monitor - in the same way as you borrow a book for three weeks – will give a good indication of radon levels in a home. To get an accurate measurement of radon levels, a three month test is required. You can visit www.radon.ie to get further information on testing your home and reducing high levels to keep you and your family safe.