Text: REGINA — A national study has found around half the homes in Regina, and around one-third of the homes in Saskatchewan, exceed Health Canada’s maximum acceptable level of radon.
Is radon a problem in Regina?
One in three houses in southern Saskatchewan are testing higher than 200 Bq/m3 of radon. Regina is a global hotspot with 50 per cent of buildings exceeding that benchmark. ASSINIBOIA – It’s invisible, tasteless, odourless, the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and we’ve all been exposed to it.
Is radon common in Saskatchewan?
SASKATOON — Saskatchewan and Alberta are among the second largest populations exposed to radon gas on the planet, according to a new national study. The research, done in part with the help of the Lung Association of Saskatchewan, shows one in three homes in the province have dangerously high levels of radon.
Is radon a problem in Saskatchewan?
Radon concentrations differ greatly throughout Canada but are usually higher in areas where there is high concentration of uranium in underlying rock and soil. Saskatchewan has some of the highest levels in the country.
Is radon common in Alberta?
Radon is an odourless, tasteless, colourless radioactive gas that is the by-product of uranium decay. Uranium occurs naturally in soil and rock formations, and places with higher than normal uranium deposits, such as Alberta and Saskatchewan, have higher radon levels.
Where is radon highest in Canada?
It occurs naturally throughout Canada, however there are some regions where it is more prevalent, such as Manitoba, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and parts of British Columbia and Quebec. When present, radon tends to accumulate in enclosed spaces such as homes and buildings.
Where in your house is radon most likely?
basement
Radon levels are usually highest in the basement or crawl space. When someone breathes in radon gas, it goes into their lungs, exposing them to small amounts of radiation. This may damage the cells in the lining of the lungs and increase a person’s risk of lung cancer.
What types of homes have the most radon?
Answer: All types of houses can have radon problems-old homes, new homes, drafty homes, insulated homes, homes with basements and homes without basements. Construction materials and the way the home has been built may also affect radon levels, but this is rare.
Where is radon the highest?
Alaska
1. Alaska: 10.7 pCi/L. Because radon is emitted from material like rock, soil, and water, Alaska’s glaciers, crisp waters, and fertile volcanic soil make it the perfect breeding ground for radon.
What is the most common way radon gets into homes?
Radon is a radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up.
Should I walk away from a house with radon?
Should you walk away from the deal? Consumer Reports says you don’t have to. Radon-related deaths are due to exposure over the course of a lifetime. “You should definitely take it seriously but you really don’t need to walk away from the home.
How do I know if my house is affected by radon?
Testing is easy. You place a plastic detector about the size of a biscuit in your living room, another in your bedroom and leave them for three months. After that you post them off and your radon level is calculated. If the level is high you can take steps to reduce radon levels in your home.
Is radon worse in summer or winter?
Indoor radon levels are normally at the highest in the winter or colder months because of the thermal stack effect, a snowy barrier, and tightly sealed homes. Cold temperatures increase the pressure within the home, meaning more air is being pulled in from the ground, which elevates the risk of radon entering the home.
Can you smell radon in your house?
You can’t smell it. But it’s dangerous. Breathing in high levels of radon can raise your risk of lung cancer. Testing your home is the only way to find out if you have a radon problem.
Are older houses more likely to have radon?
While looking for a new home, it can be easy to assume that radon is an issue only older homes could face, but this would be false. The truth is, radon is around us all the time, and knowing your home’s radon levels, old or new, is crucial to you and your home’s health.
Is radon a problem in Calgary?
In Calgary, radon gas levels are higher than in many other areas. This colourless, odorless gas causes DNA damage and is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Testing for radon is usually done with a 90+ day alpha track test kit and your levels should be below 200 Bq/m3 .
Who is most exposed to radon?
The risk of lung cancer from radon exposure is estimated at between 10 to 20 times greater for persons who smoke cigarettes as compared with those who have never smoked. Theory holds that everyone is at risk from radon exposure, and this health risk increases linearly with dose.
Is radon higher at night?
How we live – air remains dormant when no one is at home, or when homeowners are sleeping at night – which can lead to elevated radon levels. This is in contrast to when you move around the house, creating more circulation which renews the air.
Is radon a problem in Edmonton?
A study performed by Health Canada found that there are no Radon-free zones anywhere in Canada. Every home in the country contains at least some level of this gas. According to this study, approximately 20,000 dwellings in Edmonton will have levels higher than the recommended guideline.
Does opening windows reduce radon?
As a temporary solution, however, you can reduce radon levels simply by opening windows. Opening windows improves air circulation and ventilation, helping move radon out of the house and mixing radon-free outside air with indoor air. Make sure all your basement windows are open.
How long does it take for radon to affect you?
Radon gas can damage cells in your lungs, which can lead to cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States, though it usually takes 5 to 25 years to develop.