Results are in regarding radon gas and the results are quite surprising, especially for Cochranites.

Between 2013-2016, Alberta's Cancer Institute conducted a large scale indoor air radon gas testing survey involving 2385 homes in Calgary and area for a 90 day period, with results showing one in eight (12.4%) exceeding Health Canada's acceptable radon level of 200 Bq/m3 with one in two homes above the radon danger limit of 100 Bq/m3 according to the United Nations World Health Organization. Cochrane homes in comparison to all communities had the highest average radon levels in Southern Alberta.

According to the study there were no areas in Southern Alberta free of homes that did not surpass the acceptable limits of radon which concludes homeowners in Southern Alberta should test for radon gas.

Radon gas is an odourless, colourless, radioactive gas that has been linked to lung cancer in non smoking individuals. 

Dr. Aaron Goodarzi, assistant professor in the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Oncology, says one of the striking findings show newer homes are more at risk.

"Between several thousand homes we examined, newer homes, meaning those built from 1992 and newer, contained higher radon than older homes. In fact homes built from 1992 contained 31.5% higher average radon levels compared to those older properties."

Dr. Goodarzi says one of the reasons for higher levels are due to size of newer homes in comparison to older ones, taller homes, and are air tight for energy efficiency.

"The collection of all those different factors is contributing to the higher radon we are seeing in newer properties."

The good news is all the homes that tested and opted for mitigation were 100% effective at reducing levels not just to acceptable levels but well below 100 Bq/m3  with only a few hours after a correctly installed device.

At least this is a problem there is a fix for; Alberta's new building code (2015) has already adopted legislation to include a radon mitigation device roughed in which includes a pipe capped off ready for a radon test, making mitigation simple. For older homes, results  of the survey have been passed on to the Ministry of Health to see whether or not mitigation relief could be provided through government legislation. Goodarzi, says he is hoping it will be considered as part of a cancer prevention strategy.

"This is something that warrants, perhaps, an eligible expense on Health and Wellness spending accounts. In the future we might be able to see deductions on things like insurance and what not, if you correctly removed that as a risk factor of cancer in your life."

Goodarzi, states the results of the survey begin a long adventure to solve the problem of radon induced lung cancer in which 300- 350 non smoking Albertans are diagnosed each year.

"What we now need to do is to understand the environmental, psychological, and economic risk factors and what contributes to people testing and mitigating. We also need to understand a biology which is to say when someone goes into their GPs office and says I have been exposed to high quantities of radon am I going to get lung cancer? Unfortunately right now, we can't tell you yes, no, or maybe with any certainty."

Continued research needs to look at how radon is affecting DNA and cells of the lungs, who is at risk, and who isn't.

Dr. Goodarzi says the initial study is still open and looking for active participants. Next step is to radon test two large study groups in Alberta and BC where healthy Canadians provide DNA samples and health records for research to understand how they have been exposed to radon.

"By doing that we will have access to samples through which we will then be able to develop the signature for radon induced lung cancer risk and through understanding that, develop a strategy to eliminate this as a source of cancer for future Canadians."

To be involved in the study go here.

If you need help for testing or answering any questions call Matthew Ashton at White Rose Construction, they are local and able to help 403-981-8894. 

 

READ MORE:

Learning About and Treating Radon Gas