Radon measurement tests were carried out at 87 sites across Prince Edward Island, last winter, to determine radon levels in public facilities. The results of the testing showed that 39 of the 504 samples exceeded the new Health Canada guideline level. Most of those 39 samples were only slightly over the new level. None of the samples exceeded the old level.
In 2007, Health Canada lowered the guidelines for exposure to radon gas from 800 bequerels(Bq)/cubic metre (m3) to 200 Bq/m3. In the winter of 2007-08, a province-wide survey of public buildings was conducted to gather baseline data on radon concentrations in PEI, which until now did not exist.
“The results show relatively low radon levels compared with those found in many other regions of Canada,” said Chief Health Officer Dr. Lamont Sweet. “Since radon occurs from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil and rock, regions of Canada with higher concentrations of uranium than in PEI soil could be subject to higher levels of radon. The geology of the Island is made up mostly of soft red sandstone intermixed with shale, which naturally produces lower levels of radon compared to regions with mostly granite terrain.”
A committee co-chaired by the Departments of Health and Environment, Energy and Forestry has developed an action plan based on Health Canada’s Guide for Radon Measurements in Public Buildings. Over the summer, all buildings with readings over 200 Bq/m3 will be inspected to find areas where radon gas could be entering the building. Inspectors will be looking at cracks in concrete floors, joints between foundation walls and floors, floor drains, sump pits and other areas that may allow the gas to seep into the building. Measures will then be taken to reduce radon levels by sealing or caulking any cracks, joints or entry points as much as possible.
The highest indoor radon levels are commonly found during the winter months and therefore, re-testing of affected buildings will be carried out between January and March of 2009. Action for taking preventative measures and retesting of radon levels in these buildings on PEI is being done sooner than the recommendations of Health Canada. However, if radon concentrations persist following the initial remediation efforts, other solutions can be used, such as improving building ventilation.
The PEI Radon Project will expand this year to complete the rest of the Island’s schools. A decision will be made at a later date to determine if it needs to be broadened into other government buildings.
The Prince Edward Island Radon Project is part of a national radon strategy to track radon levels in public buildings. This provincial project is also a multi-department initiative on behalf of the departments of Health, Environment, Energy and Forestry, Education and Early Childhood Development, Social Services and Seniors, Transportation and Public Works and the Workers Compensation Board.
To view the complete report, log on to the Department of Health website at www.gov.pe.ca in the Environmental Health section. For more information on radon, visit www.healthcanada.gc.ca/radon or download Radon: A Guide for Canadian Homeowners at http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Radon Gas
What is radon?
Radon is a colourless, odourless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the environment from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock.
Is radon dangerous?
When radon escapes from the ground into the outdoor air, it is diluted to low concentrations and is not a concern. However, radon that enters an enclosed space, such as the basement of a building, or a home can sometimes accumulate to high levels. Radon is only dangerous to one’s health as the result of long term exposure. Lifetime exposure to high levels of radon can result in lung cell damage, which increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
Why did the province test radon levels in Prince Edward Island?
In 2007, Health Canada announced that the national guideline level for the acceptable level of radon gas in indoor air has been reduced from 800 to 200 becquerels/cubic meter (Bq/m3). In the winter of 2007-08, a province-wide survey of public buildings was conducted to gather baseline data on radon concentrations in PEI.
Where did the province test radon levels?
There were 87 sites chosen across the province, which included schools, hospitals, manors, seniors housings units and other public buildings. All tests were conducted in the lowest occupied floor of each building, over a three month period. A Provincial Radon Committee chose the sites in consultation with the School Boards, PEI Housing and other government officials. The age, design and location of each building were taken into consideration.
What do the results of the tests tell us?
The PEI Radon Project was the first initiative to collect province-wide baseline data for radon levels. The results do not indicate that radon is a significant problem on PEI. The results showed that only eight per cent of the samples exceeded the national guideline level and 80 per cent of those samples were only slightly over the new guideline level. None of the samples exceeded the old guideline level.
How does PEI's results compare to other provinces?
Radon concentrations differ greatly throughout Canada, but are usually higher in areas where there is a higher concentration of uranium in rock and soil. While there is very little national data on radon levels, PEI’s results show relatively low radon levels compared with those found in many other regions of Canada.
What steps will be taken to remedy the identified areas?
All buildings with any readings over 200 Bq/m3 will be inspected in the coming weeks to find areas where radon gas might be entering the building. Measures will then be taken to reduce radon levels by sealing or caulking any cracks, joints or entry points as much as possible.
Retesting of the affected buildings will be carried out between January and March 2009 and if radon concentrations persist, there are other solutions that can be implemented, such as, improving building ventilation.
What else do we know about radon?
Radon is heavier than air and tends to accumulate in the lower areas of a building, such as a basement or crawl space. Also, radon levels are generally higher in these areas because they are nearest to the source and are usually poorly ventilated. Radon concentrations fluctuate seasonally, but are usually higher in winter than in summer, and are usually higher at night than during the day.
How can radon get into my home?
Radon is found in almost every home or building, but concentration levels will vary from one building to another, even if the buildings are similar and next door to each other. The air pressure inside the home is usually lower than in the soil surrounding the foundation. This difference in pressure draws air and other gases, including radon, from the soil into the home.
Radon can enter a building through cracks in concrete floors, joints between foundation walls and floors, floor drains, sump pits and other areas that may allow the gas to seep into the building. The only way to find out if radon is present in elevated levels is to perform a radon measurement test.
How can I test my home for radon?
There are radon detectors on the market that measure radon levels for short periods of time, and others that gather data over many months. Since the radon concentration varies over time, measurements gathered over a longer period of time are generally considered to give a more accurate sample. Radon testing should be performed by a qualified radon testing company. Local companies who may provide home radon testing can be found under "Air Quality Services" in the yellow pages. However, there is currently no national certification program for those involved in radon testing and remediation. Individuals should ask for references or a list of former clients before entering into a contract with an environmental consultant.
How can I reduce the amount of radon in my home?
If radon levels exceed the national guideline level (over 200 Bq/m3 ) the following steps can be taken to reduce radon to safer levels:
1. Increase the ventilation in the basement to allow an exchange of air.
2. Seal all cracks and openings in foundation walls and floors, and around pipes and drains.
3. Paint basement floors and foundation walls with two coats of paint and a sealant.
4. If the above measures fail to reduce the concentration of radon to the acceptable level, soil depressurization can also be used to lower radon levels in the home. For more information, go to www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en and download Radon: A Guide For Canadian Homeowners.
Where can I find more information on radon?
For more information on radon visit www.healthcanada.gc.ca/radon.