The Alberta Solution to Reducing Radon Exposure in Homes
Radon gas is a radioactive but invisible danger that poses serious lung cancer risks if homes contain high levels inhaled over the long term. Our scientists recently published a landmark study indicating that a shocking 1 in 8 Southern Alberta homes exceed Health Canada’s maximum acceptable radon guideline. Surprisingly, we also found that newer homes had significantly higher radon compared to older properties. The gold standard for a radon test takes 90+ days, which is not feasible during the < 1 week typically seen in a real estate transaction involving a home inspection. So how can buyers and sellers accurately determine if a house is ‘radon safe’? We will determine whether short term radon tests can be used to inform home radon levels with sufficient accuracy to ‘stand up in court’.
Amount Funded
$150,000
Year Funded
2017
Funding Priority
Built Environment: Understand and improve the sustainability and livability of the physical and social aspects of our human-made environment.
Topic
Contributor
University of Calgary, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute
The Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute is a partnership between the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services, bringing together scientists and clinicians to integrate research and care cross disciplines – from understanding and preventing cancer, to transforming its detection and treatment, to improving life with and after cancer.
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