ECOH News

As the Weather Gets Colder Radon Gets Bolder – Test for Radon!

November 4, 2021

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium in soil and, when breathed in, exposes our lung tissues to ionizing radiation. Radon has no colour, smell or odour and, while at low levels does not pose a significant hazard, prolonged exposure to elevated levels subsequently damages DNA in our lung tissues which can lead to lung cancer. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Health Canada estimates approximately 3,200 Canadians die every year from radon exposure.

Outdoors, radon is diluted to concentrations that pose very little risk; however, radon can accumulate to harmful levels in enclosed environments. Radon can enter a building through small cracks and openings where there is contact with the soil. Basements, crawlspaces, and poorly ventilated ground floors are all possible locations for elevated radon levels, as radon is heavier than air and tends to settle and accumulate in lower levels over time.

Testing for radon is the only way to know if your workspace, facility or home has elevated radon levels. The best time to test for radon is during the winter months when warmer indoor air pulls more radon gas from the cool soil outside, and closed windows result in less natural ventilation to dilute radon levels.

ECOH has Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) Certified Radon Measurement Professionals on our team. Our certified professionals are able to:

· Assess your building for potential radon issues.

· Develop a plan for a radon testing program.

· Install radon test kits in appropriate areas or use direct-read instrumentation to measure radon levels.

· Determine recommendations for mitigating radon levels, if necessary.

Contact ECOH today to talk about testing for radon in your facility, workplace, or home.

Lisa Scolaro, B.Sc., ROH, CRSP, CHSC
Director, Health & Safety