Radon Solution
Radon Solution
About Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas that results from the natural decay of uranium found in the Earth’s crust. It is present in the soil worldwide, with concentrations varying significantly from one location to another. This gas can also be found in groundwater. It is important to note that, although invisible and odorless, radon can pose health risks, particularly with prolonged exposure to high concentrations.
About Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas that results from the natural decay of uranium found in the Earth’s crust. It is present in the soil worldwide, with concentrations varying significantly from one location to another. This gas can also be found in groundwater. It is important to note that, although invisible and odorless, radon can pose health risks, particularly with prolonged exposure to high concentrations.
Paths of Radon Infiltration
Underground soil: Radon typically enters buildings through cracks in the soil or rock, especially at the foundation level. If the foundation of a building has cracks or other gaps, radon can seep inside through these openings.
Water sources: Groundwater may contain radon. When water is extracted and enters the household water supply system, radon can also enter the indoor environment.
Structural leaks in the building: Various structural defects in the building, such as cracks in the walls, floors, or holes in the pipes, are also common pathways for radon to enter indoors.
Ventilation system: If the building’s ventilation system is poor or there are negative pressure areas, it may cause indoor airflows to reverse, exacerbating radon accumulation.
Paths of Radon Infiltration
Underground soil: Radon typically enters buildings through cracks in the soil or rock, especially at the foundation level. If the foundation of a building has cracks or other gaps, radon can seep inside through these openings.
Water sources: Groundwater may contain radon. When water is extracted and enters the household water supply system, radon can also enter the indoor environment.
Structural leaks in the building: Various structural defects in the building, such as cracks in the walls, floors, or holes in the pipes, are also common pathways for radon to enter indoors.
Ventilation system: If the building’s ventilation system is poor or there are negative pressure areas, it may cause indoor airflows to reverse, exacerbating radon accumulation.
Health Effects
Radon enters the lungs through the air we breathe. It emits radioactive radiation that, with prolonged exposure, can damage the lungs and increase the risk of lung cancer. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and the leading cause of cancer among non-smokers.
Breathing in a concentration of 370 Bq/m³ of radon is equivalent to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day.
In Quebec, 16% of lung cancer deaths are linked to radon, which accounts for more than 3,000 deaths each year. Furthermore, 20% of homes in Quebec have a radon concentration that requires intervention.
Health Effects
Radon enters the lungs through the air we breathe. It emits radioactive radiation that, with prolonged exposure, can damage the lungs and increase the risk of lung cancer. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and the leading cause of cancer among non-smokers.
Breathing in a concentration of 370 Bq/m³ of radon is equivalent to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day.
In Quebec, 16% of lung cancer deaths are linked to radon, which accounts for more than 3,000 deaths each year. Furthermore, 20% of homes in Quebec have a radon concentration that requires intervention.
The factors that increase the risk of lung cancer related to radon are as follows:
The factors that increase the risk of lung cancer related to radon are as follows:
- Radon concentration: The higher the exposure to radon concentration, the greater the risk of cancer.
- Duration of radon exposure: The risk of cancer increases for individuals exposed to radon over several decades.
- Smoking: Smokers exposed to radon have a higher risk of developing lung cancer than non-smokers.
Radon does not cause:
- Respiratory disorders, such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
- Allergies;
- Asthma;
- Birth defects.
Actions to take if the radon concentration exceeds the levels recommended by Canadian guidelines.
Health Canada advises taking action when the annual average radon concentration in occupied areas of a home exceeds 200 Bq/m³. If this is the case in your home, it is necessary to take measures.
The time frame for implementing corrective actions depends on the level of radon concentration in your home:
In some cases, when radon concentrations in the home are particularly high, preventive measures are not sufficient. In such cases, it becomes necessary to call Inspection Domiland to install a system that will evacuate the radon present under the foundation before it enters the habitable spaces of the building.
Health Canada recommends that those taking corrective actions strive to reduce the radon concentration to the lowest possible level.
The factors that increase the risk of lung cancer related to radon are as follows:
- Radon concentration: The higher the exposure to radon concentration, the greater the risk of cancer.
- Duration of radon exposure: The risk of cancer increases for individuals exposed to radon over several decades.
- Smoking: Smokers exposed to radon have a higher risk of developing lung cancer than non-smokers.
Radon does not cause:
- Respiratory disorders, such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
- Allergies;
- Asthma;
- Birth defects.
Actions to take if the radon concentration exceeds the levels recommended by Canadian guidelines.
Health Canada advises taking action when the annual average radon concentration in occupied areas of a home exceeds 200 Bq/m³. If this is the case in your home, it is necessary to take measures.
The time frame for implementing corrective actions depends on the level of radon concentration in your home:
In some cases, when radon concentrations in the home are particularly high, preventive measures are not sufficient. In such cases, it becomes necessary to call Inspection Domiland to install a system that will evacuate the radon present under the foundation before it enters the habitable spaces of the building.
Health Canada recommends that those taking corrective actions strive to reduce the radon concentration to the lowest possible level.
