RADON TESTING IN FEDERAL BUILDINGSParks Canada

What is radon?What is radon?

• Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is invisible, odourless and tasteless. It emanates from the ground.

• Radon can be found anywhere, mostly in low concentrations.

• Radon can infiltrate a building, where it can accumulate to hazardous levels.

Why is radon a concern?Why is radon a concern?

• Is thought to be responsible for 10% of lung cancers in Canada.

• Is the #1 cause of lung cancer for non-smokers.

• Isn’t well understood, and the

consequences of exposure can be avoided.

Radon related lung Radon related lung cancercancer• Risks increase with:

– Radon concentration (Bq/m3)

– Duration of exposure

– Smoking

Lung cancer risk (estimated from lifetime exposure, 70 years at 17hours/day)

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

200 400 800

Radon concentration (Bq/m3)

Ris

k %

Baseline lung cancer risk

200 Bq/m3 : Canadian

intervention threshold

National radon strategy – National radon strategy – overviewoverview

1. New radon guidelines, adopted in June 2007.

2. Radon testing in federal buildings across Canada

3. Data gathering. Little is known about radon in

Canada, and building results will help Health

Canada gain a better understanding of the

problem.

4. Public awareness for home testing

Radon testing deviceRadon testing device

• The alpha tracking detectors (ATD) will be used for radon testing in federal buildings

• The ATD device does not pose any health concerns

• It is important not to touch or displace the device during the 3 month testing period

Health Canada’s Radon testing Health Canada’s Radon testing protocolprotocol

• One detector for every 200 m2 of occupied floor space

• Ground level: test all occupied rooms

• Multi-level buildings: test every 3rd occupied room on every 5th floor (ie: 5, 10, 15, 20…) and on the top floor.

Parks Canada’s approachParks Canada’s approach

• All Parks Canada occupied floors at Les Terraces de la Chaudière complex will be tested according to the following two criteria:

1 detector will be placed:• At least • For every 600 m2 of open cubicle space• Every 3rd closed office on each occupied floor

Implementation PlanImplementation Plan

• Detectors ordered – Oct • Email to all staff - Oct