High levels of radon found in KFL&A

Kingston, ON – KFL&A Public Health has analyzed data showing the results of 1,047 radon tests in homes in Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington (KFL&A). Health Canada recommends radon mitigation for homes tested above 200 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m³). Two hundred and twenty-three (21%) homes tested in KFL&A were found to have radon levels above Health Canada’s guideline. The World Health Organization (WHO) takes a more prudent approach recommending radon mitigation for homes above 100 Bq/m³. Five hundred and forty-eight (52%) homes tested were found to be above the WHO guideline. KFL&A Public Health’s radon testing study ran from November 2018 to February 2019. 

“These recent findings are particularly alarming for the KFL&A region as the proportion of homes that were found with high levels of radon in indoor air is almost five times the provincial average,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, KFL&A Public Health’s Medical Officer of Health. “Any radon level above 100 Bq/m³ represents a statistically significant increase in lifetime relative risk of lung cancer for those chronically exposed.”   Dr. Moore added, “Radon levels cannot be predicted by the age or location of a home. The only way to know the radon level in your home is to test for it.” 

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium found in the rocks and soils.  You can’t see, taste or smell radon. It can enter buildings through cracks in foundation floors and walls, gaps in pipes, open floor drains, or any other area of exposed soil. In confined spaces like a home, radon can build up to high levels becoming a health risk. 

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada, after tobacco smoke. All homes are at risk and should be tested for radon. Radon mitigation can significantly reduce radon concentrations.

KFL&A Public Health is working with local municipalities to address radon and support mitigation strategies. The City of Kingston is responding accordingly with a radon mitigation strategy as per the Ontario Building Code. The strategies will be presented to council at its September 3 meeting and will outline requirements for building code compliance for new construction of low-rise residential permits applied for after August 31, 2019 to mitigate radon buildup. Residents can learn more on the City of Kingston’s website at CityofKingston.ca/RadonMitigation. Loyalist Township is also proactively addressing radon gas in new low-rise residential dwellings through its new Soil Gas Mitigation Program.

What can you do about radon?

• Test your home. Radon testing is simple and inexpensive.
• Allow the test to measure radon levels during the winter months for a minimum of 91 days.
• If your home has tested high for radon, take action to lower the radon level.
• If levels are 100 to 200 Bq/m³ consider taking action to lower radon levels.
• If levels are 200 to 600 Bq/m³ take action to lower radon levels within the next two years.
• If levels are above 600 Bq/m³ take action to lower radon levels within one year.

KFL&A Public Health recommends consulting a certified mitigation specialist to lower radon levels.

KFL&A Public Health will be selling low cost radon tests in November 2019. To learn more about radon, including potential health risks and how to reduce radon levels in your home, visit kflaph.ca/radon.