5 AUG 2021 BY DOUGLAS STARR
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much ventilation occurs in the home. Because of these factors, the age of a house is not a useful factor in predicting the levels of radon within it.”
Radon testing is the only way to know the radon level in your home, the BCCDC advises. Testing is recommended for all homeowners, but especially those who live in areas with higher levels of radon and those who smoke.
Testing can be done using a do-it-yourself kit or by hiring a professional certified by the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program.
“For the most accurate reading of the radon level in your home, it is important to use a long-term test kit, which requires the device to be placed in the home for at least 90 days,” says Dr. Young. “This is because radon levels can vary greatly over time, even from day to day, so a short-term test kit that just gives a snapshot of the radon level might give a false low reading if it was taken during a brief time of lower radon levels.”
Radon is measured in Becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m3). Health Canada recommends home improvements within two years when radon levels are above 200 Bq/m3, and within one year when the levels are above 600 Bq/m3, though homeowners may choose to improve their home at any level to reduce their risk of lung cancer.
“There are a few ways to reduce the amount of radon in your home. Simple solutions, such as sealing the cracks in your basement floors, can help reduce how much radon seeps into your home, but if your home has a high level of radon, an exhaust system can be installed that is very effective at lowering the amount of radon in your home,” says Dr. Young.
A professional certified by the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) can help homeowners evaluate options and choose the most appropriate one for their home. Even for homes with lower levels of radon, some simple measures may help to reduce concentrations even further.
More information about radon testing, mitigation and health risks can be found on the BCCDC website: www.bccdc.ca/radon.
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