POTENTIALLY dangerous levels of an invisible deadly gas which kills up to 30 people per year in Northern Ireland have been detected between Ballycastle and Ballintoy and also on Rathlin Island.
Both areas have been identified as sites where pockets of the cancer-causing radioactive gas radon pose a "moderate risk" to local people.
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) said residents at risk should contact the Health Protection Age
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Chairperson of Moyle District Council Cara McShane said it was important for anyone with any concerns regarding radon to seek advice on how to minimise the risk to their health.
"I would appeal to anyone in the affected area to find out what measures they can take within their homes to prevent this adversely affecting their health," she said.
"Obviously this is of great concern to people in the area and it is imperative they are fully informed if they are at risk."
A naturally occurring gas, radon is formed as a result of the radioactive decay of uranium and is present in all rocks and soils.
NIEA published a report last week into the level of radon and the first probability map which highlights areas where levels are raised.
It identified 1,200 homes in areas in Northern Ireland where levels are above the Action Level.
The map shows the area between Ballycastle and Ballintoy, as well as the western half of Rathlin Island has between one and three percent of homes above the Action Level.
The NIEA report confirms that for the majority of the country's population radon levels in homes are generally low and not a cause for concern.
It also found the probability of high radon concentrations was low in most of the north and north-east of Northern Ireland with the exception of a moderate risk between Ballycastle and Ballintoy.
NIEA principal pollution inspector, Robert Larmour, said radon rose from the soil into the air where it was diluted.
"Where radon enters buildings, the levels can build up and, at high concentrations, leads to an increased risk of lung cancer," he said.
"I would encourage those householders identified in the report to implement measures to reduce the risk of lung cancer."
Radon levels are raised in parts of the districts of Newry and Mourne, Down and, to a lesser extent Banbridge in the south-east; an area in the west centered in Strabane district; areas of the far south-west, south of Lower Lough Erne; a small area east of Upper Lough Erne and several areas in the central districts of Cookstown, Dungannon and Omagh.
Further information on radon reduction measures can be obtained from the Health Protection Agency, telephone 01235 822622
