What are the risks of having radon in my house ?

Recent scientific studies have conclusively shown that there is a risk of developing lung cancer due to radon levels in certain homes. These studies have prompted the federal government to collaborate with provincial and territorial governments. The goal is to raise public awareness of the risks associated with radon and how to protect oneself against it.

RADON AT HOME AND THE RISK OF DEVELOPING LUNG CANCER

It’s a well-known fact that lung cancer is the most deadly of all cancers, obviously because of smoking. However, smoking is not the only cause of lung cancer because radon exposure is the second leading cause. In Quebec, an estimated 10% of lung cancer deaths are associated with radon exposure. Notice that radon is associated with over 600 lung cancer deaths every year.

WHAT IS RADON ?

As a naturally-occurring radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium in the earth’s crust, radon is everywhere on the surface of the globe. Although, its emission and consequent concentration is not uniform. Homes can experience radon infiltration primarily through cracks and other basement entry points. It is odorless, colorless and tasteless. The unit of measurement for radon is the becquerel per cubic meter of air (Bq/m3).

WHERE IS IT FOUND?

Outdoor air typically contains low concentrations of radon (1 to 10 Bq/m3), as it has the ability to dilute effectively. However, it can infiltrate buildings. Additionally, in indoor air, radon may be present in greater quantities. Typically, the levels vary between 30 and 100 Bq/m3. In some cases, concentrations can reach very high levels (over 1000 Bq/m3), even exceeding Health Canada’s guideline of 200 Bq/m3. The average radon concentration in basements is estimated at around 35 Bq/m3 (annual geometric mean). Since it’s heavier than air, it tends to accumulate in the lowest, least-ventilated rooms in the home (basements, for example). Depending on location, radon is found in different concentrations in the ground. Some rock formations may contain more uranium, and thus emit radon in greater quantities.

In general, radon can seep into a house through a number of channels:

• cracks in concrete slabs and foundations

• sumps

• crawl spaces

• openings around exhaust ducts

The presence of radon in indoor air is due to a number of factors:

• the high concentration of radon in the soil (importance of the source)

• poor ventilation (air flow rate)

• tightness of the house

• negative pressure in the building envelope.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH RADON ?

The risk of lung cancer is the main reason to be vigilant about radon in the home. Above all, it is classified as a “proven human carcinogen” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Because it’s a gas, radon enters the lungs with the air we breathe, attacking the bronchi and lungs.

HOW CAN WE PROTECT OURSELVES ?

The first health protection measure is to refrain from smoking. In fact, individuals who are simultaneously exposed to tobacco smoke and radon have an increased risk of developing lung cancer. This is a synergistic effect. Indeed, among lung cancer deaths attributable to radon, 60% occur in smokers, 30% in former smokers and 10% in non-smokers.

WHO DO WE CALL TO MEASURE RADON ?

Health Canada recognizes the National Radon Competency Program in Canada. A list of Canadian professionals certified in radon measurement can be consulted on their site. To find out the concentration in your home, you need to perform a test using a specific measuring device. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t rely on the results of neighboring homes or the neighborhood average, as there is often a significant difference from one house to the next.
Since radon concentrations can vary every hour and every season, it is advisable to carry out tests over several months to obtain a more accurate measurement. Measured values are generally higher in winter than in summer.