Radon RESEARCH Series
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Understanding radon as a function of building air dynamics
Inhalation of radioactive radon gas within the built environment is a leading cause of lung cancer , with Canadian exposures being amongst the highest globally . All areas of Canada have proven to have the risk of long term lung irradiation with cancer-causing doses ( 100 Bq / m ³ or higher ) of radon .
Differences within the built environment are a primary driver of radon level differences between properties , with newer and larger residential homes with fewer storeys containing even higher levels than older , smaller , and multi-storey equivalents . Largely , the way a given residential property ‘ breathes ’ – meaning the dynamic manner in which fresh and stale air is exchanged and moves within a home – is a critical factor in why some homes have high radon and others ( perhaps right next door ) have low radon .
Over the past five years , we have identified nearly a dozen separate property metrics that work together to influence building air dynamics and radon levels . These include the status of windows , chimneys , the roof , insulation , heating type , and more . By understanding this in detail , we are working towards a more effective way of risk prediction and ( potentially ) points of modification to ‘ radon-proof ’ future properties .
THIS WORK IS BEING FUNDED BY :