Time To Start Radon Testing
Prince George, B.C. – Radon, an odourless colourless, tasteless gas, but it can also be a silent killer.
Radon is the gas produced by the decay of uranium, and poses no threat when it occurs outdoors. However, it’s a different story when it’s in enclosed spaces and there is long term exposure. A 2012 report by Health Canada says long term exposure in enclosed spaces is believed responsible for 16% of lung cancer deaths among Canadians.
“There are no areas of the country that are radon free” reads the report. And that brings us to Prince George.
“It’s estimated 12 to 20% of homes in Prince George have unsafe levels of radon” says Karensa Medhurst of the Canadian Cancer Society. Just as is the case with the national picture, Medhurst says there is no particular area of Prince George which is radon free, “Every single postal code area of the city had tests returned that are above the recommended levels.”
She says exposure to radon is not unlike being exposed to second hand smoke “It is long term exposure, it is the leading cause of lung cancer in non- smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer in smokers so it is a significant concern.”
Testing is the first step “It’s inexpensive, it’s about $30 dollars and you can get one at the Health Unit or at most hardware stores. Once your home is tested if your results are above 200 becquerels per cubic meter, (guide line limit) then experts suggest you mitigate your home.” Mitigation involves having a pipe installed through the foundation and a fan installed to push stagnant air from the basement to outside. “Not everyone needs to mitigate” says Medhurst.
The mitigation cost runs between $1500 and $2000 per home.
If interested in testing, Medhurst says the long term testing should be done from October to May.
Comments
Mitigation estimate is way out of whack and depends on the levels infiltrating the basement. To be sure where the leaks are in a standard basement several tests should be marked and placed in various rooms. This will tell you where the highest levels of radon are coming from. Cracks in the foundation, floor drains, sump pump pits are all access points for the gas to enter the home. The gas percolates through the ground and generally harmlessly vents to the open air. However under your home unless there is a good layer of crushed gravel used as an uncoupler between the ground and the concrete floor slab, this gas can become trapped and will make it’s way through the cracks in the basement floor and the other above listed entry points.
High levels of radon can’t be mitigated for $2000.00 , the mitigation usually involves installing vent piping under the concrete slab and this involves opening up the basement floor to effect this type of repair (not cheap considering labour and material costs)
Radon infiltration in new homes can be stopped by the use of a poly plastic barrier between the ground and slab and ensuring there are no unsealed floor drains, sump pits, or sewer discharge lines in the concrete floor. This is done by your general contractor during the construction process (additional cost)and you must request this to be done before the foundation and slab are poured. This adds value by dealing with a potential concern to new home buyers.
how much radon is in the city water test that people never turn on bath fans or don’t have any turning them on brings fresh air into your house if your furnace is maintained properly
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