Radon is a colourless, odourless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the environment from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. In the open air, radon gas is minimal, and does not pose a health risk. However, in buildings, basements and other indoor confined spaces, radon can accumulate to higher levels, and can become a risk to public health.

“Radon tests will be done during the winter, over three to four months, when buildings are typically less ventilated and radon levels are highest,” says Dr. Heather Morrison, Chief Health Officer. “Over 500 samples will be collected from various public facilities including hospitals, manors, schools, government buildings and senior housing units. Radon levels on PEI are unknown, that’s why it is important to conduct this survey. The information gathered will provide baseline data for radon levels across the province.”

For the majority of Canadians, exposure to radon gas is at a very low level and presents no risk to health. However, recent scientific studies have conclusively linked long-term exposure to high levels of radon with lung cancer. On average, up to 10 percent of lung cancers are attributable to long-term radon exposure worldwide. If radon levels exceed the national guideline, very simple measures can be taken to reduce radon to safer levels, such as increasing ventilation to allow for an exchange of air or sealing cracks and openings in basements.

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 & Forestry, Education, Social Services & Seniors, Workers Compensation Board and Transportation & Public Works.

For more information on radon visit www.healthcanada.gc.ca/radon

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. Why is the province testing radon levels in Prince Edward Island?

Recently Health Canada announced that the national guideline for the acceptable level of radon gas in indoor air has been reduced from 800 to 200 becquerels/cubic meter (Bq/m3).

What do we know about radon levels on Prince Edward Island?

Unfortunately, there is little data on radon levels for Prince Edward Island. The PEI Radon Project is the first initiative to collect province-wide baseline data for radon levels.

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. Exposure to high levels of radon for a long period of time can result in lung cell damage, which increases the risk of developing lung cancer.

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. This is because the sealing of buildings (to conserve energy) and the closing of doors and windows (at bedtime), reduces the intake of outdoor air and allow the build-up of radon.

How does radon affect people who smoke?

The radon risk for a smoker is much greater than for a non-smoker. For example, if you are a lifelong smoker and you add exposure to high levels of radon, your risk of getting lung cancer increases.

Where in Canada are radon levels the highest?

Radon concentrations differ greatly throughout Canada but are usually higher in areas where there is a high concentration of uranium in underlying rock and soil. Radon is found in almost every home or building, but concentration levels will vary from one building to another, even if they are similar and next door to each other.

How can radon get into my home?

The air pressure inside your 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 your home.

Radon can enter a home any place it finds an opening where the house contacts the soil: cracks in foundation walls and in floor slabs, construction joints, gaps around service pipes and support posts, floor drains and sumps, cavities inside walls, and the water supply. The only way to find out if your home has a radon problem is to measure the radon concentration inside it.

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 inside a home varies over time, measurements gathered over a longer period of time are generally considered to give a more accurate sample. Tests should be performed during the winter months as the radon concentrations are usually representative at this time and should be performed by a qualified radon testing company. Local companies who may provide home radon testing can be found under "Environmental Consultants and Services" or "Laboratories - Analytical & Testing" in the yellow pages. Look for businesses who conduct indoor air quality testing / environmental assessments / analytical services.

How can I reduce the amount of radon in my home?

If radon levels exceed the national guideline 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. Ventilate the basement sub-flooring by installing a small pump to draw the radon from below the concrete slab to the outside before it can enter your home.

Where can I find more information on radon?

For more information on radon visit www.healthcanada.gc.ca/radon