Ross concerned about radon threat
The project submitted as an individual entry in the junior age group by second year Coláiste Mhuire pupil Ross Maxwell from Tyrrellspass, whose mentor is teacher Eva Acton, focuses on the presence of radon gas in the area and the awareness people have of it.
As part of Ross’s project he developed a smartphone app aimed at increasing radon awareness, and also a special phone case that can hold a radon detector.
According to Ross, radon, which is a colourless, odourless gas generated by the decay of uranium in the soil, is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in this country, accounting for 350 deaths a year. His aim is to make people aware of that and thereby to help save lives.
Ross says that while long-term exposure to radon can be deadly, the good news is there are simple actions that can be taken to minimise the dangers, such as installing a radon sump in the home.
He thinks government are not doing enough to raise awareness about the issue and he is highly critical over the lack of a government grant system to help homeowners meets the cost of installing radon mitigation systems.
“This is where my project Radon Aware comes in,” he says, explaining that his app is designed to raise awareness about radon and empower individuals to take action.
“The app provides information on what radon is, the health risks associated with it, the EPA’s static risk map of Ireland, and most importantly, how to test for and mitigate radon in your home.
“Through the app, users can access helpful resources, find local radon testing services, and learn how to protect their homes from radon exposure.”
When Ross contacted the EPA, they gave him two passive radon detectors and he has 3D-printed phone cases capable of accommodating such detectors.
“By increasing awareness, I hope to see more homes testing for radon, more mitigation systems being installed, and ultimately, fewer preventable deaths,” Ross says.
Radon is not a major issue around Mullingar, but is quite commonly found in areas of North Westmeath, Ross has discovered.
Check out his app on radonaware.flutterflow.app.