WHAT IS RADON?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is produced from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can seep into buildings through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, and other openings. Since radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, it is impossible to detect without proper testing.
Why is Radon Dangerous?
Prolonged exposure to elevated radon levels is a serious health risk. According to Health Canada, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. In fact, radon exposure is responsible for approximately 16% of lung cancer deaths in Canada each year. The risk is even higher for smokers exposed to radon, making it crucial to test for and mitigate radon in homes and workplaces. For more information on radon and its health risks, visit Health Canada's Radon Page
Why Radon Assessments are Important
|
Radon can accumulate indoors, especially in basements and lower levels of buildings. Since it is invisible and odorless, the only way to know if your home or workplace has elevated radon levels is through testing. Health Canada recommends that all Canadians test their homes for radon, particularly in areas known to have high radon potential. Testing is simple and affordable, and it can help protect you and your family from the long-term health risks associated with radon exposure
|
According to Health Canada, action should be taken if radon levels exceed 200 Bq/m³ (becquerels per cubic meter). Testing is the only way to know if your home or workplace is at risk.
At Western Health & Safety (WHS), our industrial hygienists specialize in assessing and improving indoor air quality. Radon testing is a key component of our comprehensive approach to ensuring that your environment is safe and healthy.
At Western Health & Safety (WHS), our industrial hygienists specialize in assessing and improving indoor air quality. Radon testing is a key component of our comprehensive approach to ensuring that your environment is safe and healthy.
Our Radon Assessment Process
At WHS, we offer comprehensive radon assessment services to ensure your indoor air quality is safe. Here’s how our process works:
- Initial Consultation: We begin with an initial consultation to understand the building’s layout and potential radon entry points.
- Certified Radon Testing: Our staff are certified through the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP), ensuring that we follow the highest standards for radon testing and mitigation. We use Health Canada-approved testing methods to measure radon levels in your home or workplace. This involves placing radon detectors in key areas for a period of time (typically between 48 hours and 90 days, depending on the type of test).
- Short-Term Testing: Provides a quick snapshot of radon levels, often used in real estate transactions and not recommended by Health Canada to accurately determine indoor radon concentrations.
- Long-Term Testing: Offers a more accurate representation of year-round radon exposure, as radon levels can fluctuate with the seasons.
- Analysis and Reporting: Once the testing period is complete, the detectors are sent to a certified lab for analysis. We provide a detailed report outlining the radon levels and any necessary actions.
RADON MITIGATION SERVICES
If elevated radon levels are detected (above 200 Bq/m³, as recommended by Health Canada), mitigation measures are necessary to reduce the concentration of radon indoors 2. Our team at WHS offers a range of mitigation solutions, including:
- Sub-Slab Depressurization: The most common and effective method, which involves installing a vent pipe system and fan to draw radon from beneath the building and vent it outside.
- Sealing Cracks and Openings: Sealing foundation cracks and other entry points can help reduce radon infiltration, though it is typically combined with other mitigation methods.
- Increased Ventilation: Improving ventilation in crawl spaces and basements can help reduce radon levels.
Why Choose Western Health & Safety for Radon Assessments?
- Certified and Experienced: Our team is certified by the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP), ensuring that we adhere to the highest standards for radon testing and mitigation. We follow Health Canada’s guidelines to provide accurate and reliable results.
- Industrial Hygienists: Our certified industrial hygienists are experts in assessing and improving indoor air quality, including radon testing and mitigation. We provide tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of your building.
- Comprehensive Service: We provide end-to-end radon services, from initial testing to mitigation and follow-up testing, ensuring that your indoor environment is safe.
- Tailored Solutions: We offer customized radon mitigation solutions based on the specific needs of your building.
