RADON TESTING IN FEDERAL BUILDINGS Parks Canada

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? 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 cancer Risks increase with: – Radon concentration (Bq/m 3 ) – Duration of exposure –Smoking Baseline lung cancer risk 200 Bq/m 3 : Canadian intervention threshold

National radon strategy – overview 1.New radon guidelines, adopted in June 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 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 protocol One detector for every 200 m 2 of occupied floor space Ground level: test all occupied rooms Multi-level buildings: test every 3 rd occupied room on every 5 th floor (ie: 5, 10, 15, 20…) and on the top floor.

Parks 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 m 2 of open cubicle space Every 3 rd closed office on each occupied floor

Implementation Plan Detectors ordered – Oct to all staff - Oct