Testing Recommended for Radon in Air

Nova Scotians are encouraged to test their homes for radon gas, a naturally occurring radioactive soil gas that carries long-term health risks when it is allowed to accumulate indoors.

"We want Nova Scotians to be aware of the risk of long-term exposure to elevated radon levels in indoor air," said Mark Parent, Minister of Environment and Labour, today, Feb. 19. "By testing air in ground-level rooms, they can determine whether measures are needed to reduce their risk."

Health Canada is proposing to lower the guideline to 200 Becquerels per cubic metre from 800 Becquerels per cubic metre. If indoor air is tested and fails to meet the guideline, measures can be taken to reduce radon levels. Indoor air should be retested to ensure levels have been lowered to at least the guideline.

"The health risk of radon in indoor air is associated with long-term exposure," said Dr. Robert Strang, acting deputy provincial medical officer of health. "If you're exposed to elevated levels over many years, you are at increased risk for lung cancer, especially if you are a smoker."

Testing devices for radon gas, including mail-in laboratory analysis of the unit, are commercially available through major retailers or on the Internet for $60 to $100.

The Department of Environment and Labour is leading the province's interdepartmental initiative to increase awareness and reduce the health risks of radon.

For more information on radon gas and the proposed new Health Canada guideline, call 1-877-9-ENVIRO(368476)or go to the website at www.gov.ns.ca/enla.