How radon breaks downThe figure on the left shows the different elements involved when uranium breaks down, eventually forming radon gas and other products (also known as “radon daughters”).
The time periods indicated in each box represent the half-lives of each radioactive element. The half-life is a commonly used measure that quantifies the length of breakdown of radioactive particles. It corresponds to how long it takes for a given amount of each element to break down to half the original amount. |
Recently, Dr. Goodarzi gave an excellent Tedx talk on radon gas and his project. In a well delivered presentation he makes the dangers of living in a home with high radon levels very clear and easy to understand.
Without pulling any punches on the severity of lung cancer, Dr. Goodarzi compellingly addresses radon in a manner digestible by everyone regarding the dangers or what exactly a high radon level means for them and their families. |
In Canada, the concentration of radon in the air is measured in units of Becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m3). Basically, 1 Bq/m3 corresponds to one radioactive disintegration per second in one cubic meter of air.
Health Canada and other government agencies in the world have recognized the risk posed by radon gas. These governments have developed guidelines for indoor radon levels known as action levels. This means that radon levels in homes and buildings are recommended to be below 200 Becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3). Any level of 200 Bq/m3 and above should be fixed (radon mitigation). Based on this guideline, indoor radon levels are interpreted as follows: |
Government of Canada - Radon: What You Need to Know
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Radon gas can enter a house at any place it finds an opening where the house contacts the soil. Here are some examples of potential entry points:
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Given the number of variables involved, every house or building has unique circumstances that can affect radon levels. A number of factors can affect radon levels in a building.
Radon levels have also been shown to vary even by next door neighbours. A recently reported case in Quebec shows radon tests done in two neighbouring homes, where one home had radon levels at 125 Bq/m3 and the next door neighbour had 20,653 Bq/m3! Some people argue that older homes have are more likely to have entry points for radon and thus are at more risk than newer homes. However, newer homes tend to be more tightly sealed for energy efficiency. This means that radon gas can easily accumulate in the new home. |
Alberta building codes requires that ALL NEW HOMES permitted after November 1, 2015 must have a Radon Rough-in for a sub-floor depressurization system. But the builder is not required to install the full mitigation system.
Once the home is occupied the home should be TESTED FOR RADON. We work directly with New Home Builders in the area to ensure their clients have a Certified Radon Measurement Professional at hand to come in and perform the Radon Inspection. We want the public to understand that all homes contain Radon, the question is how much. It doesn't mean your home was poorly built if there is Radon in your home. We also want to ensure that everyone is aware that Radon is a FIXABLE problem. |