Time to Test for Radon, Op-ed Piece
NOTE: The following is an op-ed feature by Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's Chief Public Health Officer.
Between smoke detectors, emergency kits, and flashlights, Nova Scotians have plenty to do to make sure their homes are safe. But that's no reason to ignore the potential risks associated with excess exposure to radon.
Radon is a naturally occurring, colourless, odourless, and tasteless radioactive gas. It is created when uranium in soil, rock and water breaks down and is almost everywhere in the environment. Radon enters buildings through openings to the ground such as cracks in foundation walls, utility penetrations, sumps, floor drains and water supplies from groundwater sources.
Two recent scientific studies in North America and Europe, provide direct evidence of an association between residential radon exposure and lung cancer.
Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels increases the risk of lung cancer. In fact, experts now consider radon to be the second-leading cause of lung cancer, after cigarette smoking. However, smokers have about a tenfold risk of lung cancer from radon, compared with non-smokers, because radon byproducts can become attached to smoke particles and be trapped in the lungs, where they irritate tissue cells. Health Canada estimates that 1,900 Canadians die annually from radon-induced lung cancer.
Fortunately, the lung cancer risk from radon can be reduced, saving hundreds of lives a year. Apart from quitting smoking and avoiding second-hand smoke, the most important step is to test homes for radon. This should be done in the lowest area of the home that is lived-in and, in most situations, can be done with short-term (less than 90 days) or long-term (more than 90 days) in-home test kits. These are available locally, by mail order or on-line for $40 to $80. A retailer list available at www.gov.ns.ca/nse/airlandwater/radon.asp .
Because radon varies considerably because of geology, ventilation, building materials and atmospheric conditions, a long-term test will provide more reliable results. The Department of Environment recommends testing for at least 90 days, during the heating season. As radon is slightly heavier than air, rooms above the fourth floor will not normally have elevated radon levels.
If test results show radon levels are below guidelines, no action is needed. Tests that are above guidelines should be repeated, especially if the test lasted less than 90 days. Reducing radon levels is often a matter of taking simple corrective measures such as filling cracks in basement walls and floors, or addressing sump pumps. Qualified professional help is available, and a re-test must be performed after any corrective measures are taken.
The province is in the middle of a five-year plan to test government buildings for radon. The departments of Health Promotion and Protection, and Environment have also created a public awareness initiative in collaboration with the Nova Scotia Cancer Society; the Nova Scotia Lung Association and Cancer Care Nova Scotia. They have also developed a radon map to identify areas of Nova Scotia that are at higher risk.
For more information on radon and radon testing, call 1-877-9ENVIRO (936-8476) or visit these websites: