Mayo library launches digital radon monitor loan scheme

Mayo Library has recently announced the launch of a new Radon Monitor Loan Scheme.

The scheme will enable members of the public to borrow digital radon monitors to check radon levels in their homes as part of the Healthy Ireland at Your Library initiative. 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, to test the levels of radon in their home.  

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County Librarian Austin Vaughan expressed his delight to offer this important service to the community:  “In Mayo Library, we’re here to support people and the wider community in practical and meaningful ways. We already have Home Energy Kits and Reusable Party Sets available for lending, both of which are valuable environmental initiatives.

“Protecting people’s health by making the Radon Monitors available is an excellent and valuable addition.” He added. Director of Services with responsibility for libraries, Joanne Grehan, added that this service has expanded far beyond tradition. 

“This is an important health initiative being provided by Mayo County Council through our Library Service locally, and we encourage people to avail of it.

 “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.  It’s a simple step that can make a real difference to our citizens’ health and wellbeing.”

Launching the initiative at Castlebar Library, Mayo County Cathaoirleach Sean Carey, said:

“This scheme shows how libraries can play a vital role in supporting national health initiatives at a local level. Libraries offer a broad-spectrum of services that support people in our communities.

“This includes literacy, learning, health and wellbeing initiatives. Making radon monitors available to borrow is another way we’re helping people take informed steps to protect their health.” For more information on testing radon in the home, visit http://www.radon.ie.

Pictured above at the launch of the initiative are, from left: Alan Stephens, EPA Regional Manager; Librarian Orlagh Heverin, County Librarian Austin Vaughan, Mayo County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Sean Carey, Librarian Celene Brennan and Joanne Grehan, Director of Services at Mayo County Council. Pic: Alison Laredo

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