More than 180 homes across Ireland have been found with high levels of the cancer-causing gas known as radon.

According to the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, four homes have been identified with particularly high radon levels - between 10 and 22 times the acceptable level in the past eight months.

In addition 25 homes recorded up to 10-times the acceptable level. These were identified in Dublin (1), Galway (8), Kerry (4), Mayo (2), Sligo (2), Tipperary (1), Waterford (2) and Wexford (5).

The remaining 152 homes had radon levels up to four-times the acceptable level and were found in high radon areas throughout the country.

Radon is the second biggest cause of lung cancer after smoking and is directly linked to some 250 lung cancers in Ireland each year.

Commenting on the latest findings, the RPII Chief Executive Dr. Ann McGarry said "Although we are pleased that almost 1,200 homeowners have tested their home for radon in the last 8 months, the rate of testing is very low".

"Our research indicates that there are over 91,000 Irish homes with high levels of radon and, so far, only about 8,000 of these have been identified".

"Of concern to us is that only 1 in 4 homeowners, having tested and found a high reading, have taken action to reduce the high level of radon present. That means three quarters of homeowners are living with the knowledge that they are putting their family at risk when the problem can easily be fixed" she added.

The RPII and a number of private companies provide a radon measurement service. The cost of a measurement is around €50 depending on which measurement company is chosen.

If a moderate radon level is found, improving indoor ventilation may reduce the level by up to half, the cost of which is low. For higher levels, a fan assisted sump can be installed which can reduce radon levels by over 90%.