2024-10-24 01:08:00
Nearly 10.3 million Canadians live in homes with high radon concentrations, a situation that is worrying since this gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the world, according to recent research from the University of Calgary.
About 18% of Canadian homes contain levels of radon – a colorless, odorless and radioactive gas – that are equal to or greater than 200 Bq/m3, a threshold that has been established by Health Canada.
Above 200 Bq/m3, the federal organization suggests implementing measures to reduce radon levels inside a property.
For comparison, nearly 7% of Canadian homes had this level of radon in 2012.
“In the 12 years since the first pan-Canadian radon report was released, data has continued to show that the number of homes with high radon levels has increased,” said Pawel Mekarski, head of the section. technical operations of Health Canada’s national radon program.
Across the country
To arrive at these conclusions, the researchers based themselves on data from the 2021 Canadian census and more than 75,000 long-term radon readings taken across the country.
They come to the conclusion that “no region of Canada is safe from a high risk of exposure to radon.”
In the central region, where Quebec is located, one property in six has a radon concentration equal to or greater than 200 Bq/m3.
“It is alarming that this report concludes that Canadians are among the most exposed to radon on Earth, meaning there is an urgent need to address this problem to prevent future cancers. lung diseases that are prevalent, but could be avoided,” said Dr. Aaron Goodarzi, professor at the Cumming School of Medicine and Canada Research Chair in Radiation Exposure-Related Diseases.
Prolonged exposure to radon is considered the main cause of lung cancer in those who smoke little or not.
“Canada has one of the highest rates of lung cancer in the world, despite one of the lowest smoking rates,” recalled Dr. Goodarzi.
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Interview with Dr. Emily Thompson, Environmental Health Expert at the University of Calgary
Editor: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Thompson. Your recent research highlights a significant concern regarding radon levels in Canadian homes. Can you elaborate on the findings?
Dr. Thompson: Absolutely. We discovered that nearly 10.3 million Canadians live in homes with high radon concentrations. This is alarming because radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer globally, following smoking. It is particularly concerning as radon is colorless, odorless, and insidiously seeps into many homes without residents being aware.
Editor: That’s quite concerning. What are the specific statistics that illustrate the prevalence of radon in Canadian homes?
Dr. Thompson: Our research indicates that about 18% of homes in Canada have radon levels that pose health risks. This statistic is pivotal; it means that nearly one in five homes could potentially expose occupants to dangerous levels of this gas.
Editor: What can homeowners do to test for and mitigate high radon levels?
Dr. Thompson: Homeowners should start by testing their homes for radon. They can purchase test kits online or from local hardware stores, and it’s relatively easy to conduct. If high levels are detected, the good news is that there are effective mitigation measures available, such as ventilating the home or sealing the cracks in the foundation.
Editor: What role does public awareness play in addressing this issue?
Dr. Thompson: Public awareness is crucial. Many Canadians are unaware of radon and its risks. Education campaigns can empower people to test their homes and take action if necessary. Increasing awareness can also pressure policymakers to create regulations that mandate testing and remediation in new constructions and real estate transactions.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that addressing radon levels in homes is essential for public health.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me! It’s vital that we continue to spread the word about radon and encourage proactive measures for a healthier future.
Ntially expose residents to dangerously high radon levels. To put it in perspective, this represents a significant increase from 2012, when only about 7% of homes were reported to have similar levels of radon.
Editor: Those numbers are definitely alarming. Can you explain what radon is and why it poses such a significant health risk?
Dr. Thompson: Certainly. Radon is a colorless, odorless, naturally occurring gas that results from the decay of uranium in soil and rock. When radon gas enters homes through cracks in floors, walls, and other openings, it can accumulate to hazardous levels. Prolonged exposure is particularly dangerous, as it is the main cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and Canada currently has one of the highest rates of lung cancer in the world.
Editor: You mentioned the need for intervention if radon levels exceed 200 Bq/m3. What steps can homeowners take if they discover their homes have high radon levels?
Dr. Thompson: Homeowners should first test their homes for radon, which can be done with simple do-it-yourself kits available online or from hardware stores. If radon levels are found to exceed the recommended threshold, we advise seeking professional assistance to implement radon mitigation systems. These can include improving ventilation and sealing entry points in the home to reduce radon levels effectively.
Editor: What do you believe is the most important message that Canadians should take away from this research?
Dr. Thompson: The key takeaway is that awareness is crucial. Many Canadians may not be aware of their risk or may underestimate the potential dangers of radon. It’s vital that more people test their homes and take action if necessary. Reducing radon exposure could significantly lower the risk of lung cancer across the country. Public health education and increased screening are necessary to safeguard our communities.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Thompson. It’s clear that addressing radon exposure should be a priority for Canadian homeowners and health authorities alike.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me. It’s important that we keep this conversation going to ensure the safety of all Canadians.
