(Victoria, BC, April 6, 2023) — After a routine health exam, Dr. Kong Khoo, a respected oncologist at BC Cancer, was diagnosed with stage I lung cancer in March 2020. Stunned by the dreadful news, Dr. Khoo would soon discover that the culprit was long-term exposure to high radon levels in his home.

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactivegas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock, is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer in smokers.

Because radon is found in every building that contacts the ground, the only way to detect whether the levels in your home are dangerous is to test.

Following his cancer diagnosis, Dr. Khoo immediately tested his home of 25 years. As he suspected, the radon levels were significantly higher than Health Canada’s radon guidelinelevel of 200 Bq/m³.

“The irony of the situation isn’t lost on me,” admits Dr. Khoo, who sees first-hand the devastating effects of lung cancer on his patients. “Lung cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancers. I should have tested and acted years ago to protect myself and my family,” he says.

Once he discovered that the levels of radon were above the guideline, Dr. Khoo took steps to reduce the levels through a process called radon mitigation.

“Testing your home for radon is simple and affordable,” says Dr. Anne-Marie Nicol, Associate Professor, Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University. “If your home is above the guideline, it is really important to take that next step and lower the radon level. Reducing exposure is what reduces your risk of developing lung cancer.”

Dr. Khoo is grateful to have caught his cancer early and have it successfully removed with surgery. Eager to prevent others from suffering and to save lives, Dr. Khoo is sharing his story and raising awareness about the life-threatening risks of radon.

“I wouldn’t wish this diagnosis on anyone,” says Dr. Khoo. “I urge every homeowner to protect their family’s health by checking for radon and taking any required mitigation measures.”

Dr. Khoo will be speaking at the 2023 Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (CARST) Radon Conference, taking place at the Victoria Conference Centre on April 13, 2023, starting at 8:30 a.m.

“We are so pleased to have Dr. Khoo share his story and help raise awareness about radon,” says Pam Warkentin, Executive Director of CARST. “With more than 3,000 people dying each year from lung cancer in Canada, we need to make significantly more progress in getting the word out.”

About the 2023 CARST Radon Conference

Stakeholders from across Canada, the US, and Europe will be meeting at the 12^th annual CARST Radon Conference, Building Today for Healthy Tomorrows, to discuss the latest research and changes to building codes and policies about radon. The conference will be held at the Victoria Conference Centre April 12–15; in-person for the first time in three years.

About Radon

Radon is a radioactivegas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It is invisible, odourless and tasteless. When it is released from the ground into the outdoor air, radon is diluted and is not a health concern. However, in indoor environments, radon can often be found at higher levels.  With new construction being more airtight and many people taking measures to increase the air tightness of their homes, radon levels are continuing to increase.

Long-term exposure to high levels of radon increases the risk of lung cancer. According to Health Canada, 16% of lung cancer deaths can be traced to radon exposure.

About CARST

CARST is a Canadian not-for-profit with the mission of bringing individuals and organizations who are driven to help Canadians reduce their radon exposure and prevent lung cancer from radon. CARST provides members with radon-relevant resources; opportunities to learn more about radon research, standards and best practices; and a place to connect with other stakeholders across the country.

-30-

For more information or to schedule an interview with Dr. Khoo, Medical Oncologist, BC Cancer-Kelowna, or Pam Warkentin, CARST Executive Director:

Victoria Pickering

(514) 771-2837

victoria@pickeringpr.com

Sources:

BC Cancer

Canadian Cancer Association

Canadian Cancer Statistics: A 2022 special report on the prevalence of cancer

Health Canada

Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists Helping Canadians Reduce Radon Risk 2022 Summer Newsletter

Dear CARST Members,

Summer is here once more, and already flying right by! We hope that you’ll find some time to rest and recharge in the weeks ahead, and what better time to catch up on some news from the radon world?

Sponsor your MP to spread radon awareness and encourage action

As part of CARST’s Radon Action Month campaign for 2022 we would like to engage with our members of parliament (MPs) across Canada, and we need your support!  We’ve identified several points where radon can be addressed at the federal policy level, including ensuring that the Canadian Labour Code is harmonized with Health Canada’s guideline and securing a radon mitigation tax credit.

This fall, we will be writing to MPs across the country to inform them about radon gas and provide them with a free digital radon monitor.  Ideally, we would like to be able to provide each MP with a radon monitor, as we’re learning that there’s no better way to engage people in radon gas than by showing them a digital indication of the radon level in their home.

Here is what we need from you!  Help us make sure we can send every MP their own digital radon monitor by signing up here to sponsor the cost.  You can choose to sponsor one or multiple MPs, or sign up as a National Sponsor and we’ll add your name and logo to the letter we send to your MP acknowledging your role in getting this device into their hands.

Let us know if you are interested in helping us with our national MP strategy and join us via zoom for a couple of meetings leading up to Radon Action Month 2022.

C-NRPP Professionals

The past few years have seen continued growth in the radon mitigation profession.  While this is great news for radon awareness overall, there have also been some growing pains.  It’s of vital importance that all C-NRPP professionals take care to maintain the high standards of workmanship and professionalism that set C-NRPP professionals apart from uncertified contractors.

C-NRPP will be emphasizing our Code of Ethics and professional guidelines over the coming year; developing new resources to support and guide all C-NRPP professionals and ensuring that our standards are clearly understood for easy compliance.

Watch for this year’s C-NRPP Exert Café’s which will cover topics such as professional ethics, standard documentation, updates to the Public Guide -  keeping you up to date on current standards and guidance. 

Health Canada has revised its Public Measurement Guide and recently released it publicly.  Check out the links below.  They are also currently updating the Residential Measurement Guide.  

Find the links to the new Health Canada Public Building documents here: 

GUIDE FOR RADON MEASUREMENTS IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS

GUIDE SUR LES MESURES DU RADON DANS LES ÉDIFICES PUBLICS

Committees 

Each year, CARST’s Board of Directors establishes goals for the coming year, but it’s up to the various CARST committees to do the work that will move us toward achieving those goals.  Would you like to be involved?  Now is the perfect time to check out the various CARST committees and sign up to help!  Learn more on the committee dashboard and ask to sign up by emailing info@carst.ca.

CARST Conference 2023

CARST2023 – Save the date! We’re excited to be planning our first in-person Conference in several years, to be held April 13th through 15th 2023. Stay tuned for more details! Interested in helping to plan next year’s Conference?  Join the Conference Committee by emailing info@carst.ca

Welcome New Members!

CARST membership continues to grow, and we're pleased to welcome the following new members:

Adrian Duncescu Alexander Grams Amelia Nechka Amy Kadwell Andrea Cheng Andrew Salmon Audrey Lavoie Benoit Giguère Charbel Azzi Cole Kingzett Daniel Chiddenton Ella Dumais Eve Nadeau-Labadie Gabriel Bouchard Gail Martin Guillaume Morin Hugo Savard Jacquie Elvish Jesse Timmons Jimmy Cameron Jirimy Fontaine Layla Miller Lincoln Williams

Lucas Sheptycki Mahmood Dewji Marcel Leblanc-Lupton Martin Gendron Matthew Brown Maxime Dumont Michael Charlton Mojtaba Kayhan Nick Sullivan Nicolas Dunn Nicolas Leblanc Paul Jensen Philip Wiebe Ricardo Mercado Robert Maccarrone Ryan Woroniak Scott Rivard Steven Joudrey Trevor Sisson Tyler Voigt Wesley Vasconcelos Yves Bernier

To all new members, we wish a warm welcome. By joining CARST, you’ve joined an unparalleled group of knowledgeable, dedicated radon professionals with a wide variety of skills and expertise.

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns at info@carst.ca.

The CARST Team

Mitigation Grant Programs 

As all CARST members are aware, the cost of a mitigation system can be a major obstacle for many families who need to reduce their radon level.  With this in mind we are please to announce that two regions now have Mitigation Grant Programs. 

The Manitoba Lung Association launched the Lungs Matter program, which will provide up to $1500 in funding towards radon mitigation for low to moderate income families or those with a lung cancer diagnosis in the household. 

• Radon professionals can sign up to sponsor the program here.
• Those wishing to apply for the grant can do so here.
• Additional information on the grant can be found on the Breathe: The Lung Association website linked here.

The RDCO has also launched a grant program for homeowners in the Central Okanagan.  They provide grants which cover 80% of the cost of the radon mitigation program to a max of $500.  However, they have additional funding up to $1500 available for those who qualify as low income.  Find more information online here.

The Canadian Lung Association has announced their plans to launch a similar grant program Canada-wide, with more details expected soon.

Radon Reduction Sweepstakes 

The Radon Reduction Sweepstakes, now in its 6th year, closed for applications at the end of June.  This year’s contest attracted over 350 entries from all 10 provinces, representing 61 C-NRPP professionals.  Winners have been selected by random draw and will by contacted soon. 

Radon professionals are able to direct their clients to the 7th year of the program via our online portal.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, August 16 1pm EDT - C-NRPP Cafe Health Canada's Guide for Radon Measurements in Public Buildings August 14, 3pm EDT - Lung Sask's Presentation of Radon Survey Results  August 23,  11:30 EDT - Take Action on Radon – National Stakeholders Meeting  September 19-20, Radon Measurement Course in Kelowna, BC September 21-25, Radon Mitigation Course in Kelowna, BC April 13-16, 2023 - CARST Conference 2023

For Immediate Release

WINNIPEG, January 21, 2021 - In light of Saskatchewan’s recent announcement of a tax credit which includes radon mitigation.  The Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (CARST) calls for the Manitoba government to improve accessibility to their existing radon mitigation program where high interest rates discourage uptake. Under Manitoba’s Energy Finance Plan, homeowners can borrow up to $5,000 at an interest rate of 6.75% to install a radon mitigation system, but CARST is concerned that this program doesn’t incentivize homeowners and unjustly impacts those with lower incomes. “For a government focused on health equity, the interest rate is a glaring obstacle - homeowners with less financial means will ultimately pay more to reduce their risk of lung cancer.” says, Pam Warkentin, Executive Director of CARST.

“Congratulations to our Saskatchewan neighbours on taking steps to make radon mitigation more accessible.  Manitoba has a great opportunity to respond with adjusting an existing program into something which would be a game changer for those in lower income households already struggling with home expenses.” says Neil Johnston, President and CEO, of The Lung Association, Manitoba.

Manitoba is a known radon hotspot with 1 in 5 homes across the province, and in some regions, 1 in 2 homes testing above Health Canada’s radon action level. With levels this high, it is in public and government interest to make radon mitigation easy and accessible for all Manitobans. CARST urges the first step is removing the interest rate on the existing program, a rebate would also be helpful.

A recent report by Take Action on Radon, a national awareness initiative funded by Health Canada, found radon mitigation costs in Manitoba and Saskatchewan range from $1,400 to $4,100 depending on home characteristics.

As part of their Energy Finance Plan Manitoba Hydro currently allows this expense to be financed for up to 5 years, which in theory is helpful for homeowners, but in practice is not financially viable for all Manitobans. At a time when the Bank of Canada has announced its priority to maintain low interest rates to help the Canadian Economy as well as stating that, “Canada’s economic recovery will continue to require extraordinary monetary policy support.” Such a high interest rate seems inappropriate given our current environment.

Under Manitoba’s Energy Finance Plan program, a $4,100 radon mitigation system costs homeowners nearly $140 extra per year in interest, which could amount to over $700 of additional costs over the 5 year period. In contrast, the newly announced Saskatchewan program returns $430 back to homeowners as a tax credit from the cost of the same radon mitigation system.  “The current framework means that the Manitoban Government, through Manitoba Hydro, is earning interest and revenue off measures Manitobans are taking to protect their health.” states Warkentin.

CARST is calling on the Manitoba Government to rectify this error in health equity and remove the interest rate on the cost of radon mitigation under the Energy Finance program.

---30---

For media inquiries, please contact:

Pam Warkentin, Executive Director

Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (CARST)

204-798-9649

p_warkentin@carst.ca

Additional Information:

Saskatchewan’s Home Renovation Tax Credit allows homeowners to claim a 10.5 % tax credit of up to $20,000 of eligible home renovation expenses. The eligible expenses include the cost of labour, professional services, and the building materials required for radon reduction measures.

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the ground and can reach high levels in buildings that Health Canada considers to be dangerous. Canadian conditions in winter resulting in a need to tighten our homes against the weather as well as measures to increase energy efficiency in our homes, can further result in increasing radon levels.  Manitoba is a known hotspot for radon with 1 in 5 homes across the province and in some regions 1 in 2 homes testing above Health Canada’s action level.  The Manitoba government has recognized for decades that Manitobans have a significantly higher risk of this deadly gas then residents of other provinces.  How many Manitobans will die from this preventable cancer before the government will take clear action?

References:

Manitoba Hydro Energy Finance Plan: https://www.hydro.mb.ca/your_home/loans_financing/energy_finance_plan/

Bank of Canada:

https://www.bankofcanada.ca/2020/12/fad-press-release-2020-12-09/#:~:text=The%20Bank%20of%20Canada%20today,deposit%20rate%20at%20%C2%BC%20percent.

Take Action on Radon, Radon Reduction Sweepstakes Report, 2018-2019:

https://takeactiononradon.ca/radon-reduction-sweepstakes-report-2018-2019/

Health Canada’s Cross-Country Survey of Homes:

Health Canada’s Cross-Country Survey of Homes

Saskatchewan Lung Association information on the Tax Credit:

https://www.lungsask.ca/about-us/news-room/news/2021/01/lung-association-partnership-take-action-radon-coalition-commends

Saskatchewan Home Renovation Tax Credit:

https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/taxes-and-investments/tax-credits/home-renovation-tax-credit

Current Update: (20 Jan 2022)

Un message en français suit ci-dessous.

We are pleased to work with Toole Peet to provide C-NRPP Professionals an insurance program.  This is a voluntary insurance package available for all C-NRPP Professionals (measurement and mitigation professionals)  The premium is on a per company basis and will cover all C-NRPP certified employees.  

Please complete this contact form to receive more information from ToolePeet.

Activity	$2m E&O / $2m CGL	$2m E&O / $5m CGL
Radon measurement only	$1,300	$1,550
Radon testing, inspection, mitigation and installation services	$2,550	$3,050

RATES HAVE STAYED THE SAME FOR 2022

Important details:

• This package would cover all certified professionals within one company as long as they are listed as employees.  All contractors would be considered separate companies.
• This package provides coverage for companies up to $500K in Annual Revenues (annual revenue is gross without accounting for expenses), any company with revenues above that would need to apply individually and can do so through the same application link.
• This package is only for companies with no claims in the last five years, any company who have had a claim in the last five years would need to apply individually and can do so through the same application link.
• The coverage is available starting July 1.  Each company would complete an application form to apply and receive confirmation directly from the insurance company.   Ideally, we would like to get everyone signed up as of July 1.
• If your current insurance coverage expires after July 1, you can apply as the coverage expires or cancel your current policy and apply.
• Policy wording available upon request: info@carst.ca 

 Les tarifs n'ont pas changé pour 2022!

L’ACSTR est heureuse d’annoncer un accord avec Toole Peet sur un régime d’assurance. Remplir un formulaire de contact avec Toole Peet pour plus d’informations.

Activité	$2m E&O / $2m CGL	$2m E&O / $5m CGL
Mesure du radon seulement	$1 300	$1 550
Mesure, inspection, atténuation et installation associée au radon	$2 550	$3 050

E&O – erreurs et omissions 

CGL – assurance commercial générale  

Notes : 

- L'assurance couvre tous les professionnels certifiés au sein d'une entreprise tant qu'ils sont répertoriés en tant qu'employés. Tous les entrepreneurs seraient considérés comme des entreprises distinctes. 

- Ce forfait couvre les entreprises jusqu'à 500 000 $ de revenus annuels (les revenus annuels sont bruts sans tenir compte des dépenses), toute entreprise dont les revenus sont supérieurs à ceux qui devraient postuler individuellement et peut le faire via le même lien de candidature. 

- Ce forfait s'adresse uniquement aux entreprises sans réclamation au cours des cinq dernières années. Toute entreprise ayant eu un sinistre au cours des cinq dernières années devra postuler individuellement et peut le faire via le même lien de candidature. 

(April 2020)

We are excited to announce that CARST and Toole Peet have developed an insurance package which provides our members with clear coverage at a reduced rate due to our group buying power. 

Over the last few months we have been asking for input and we feel this package will appeal to most of our members and accommodate the issues raised by our members through our survey process. 

The rates listed are incremental based on the eventual number of CARST members purchasing.  You will notice the prices decrease as more members buy into the program  (minimum requirement of 100 members).  It is our goal to be able to move most of our members to this package which would provide a reduced rate for everyone.  We will be aggressively seeking input from members in the next few weeks to be able to have an anticipated number by the end of April.  We will notify all members of the results at the beginning of May.

Important details:

• This package would cover all certified professionals within one company as long as they are listed as employees.  All contractors would be considered separate companies.
• This package provides coverage for companies up to $500K in Annual Revenues (annual revenue is gross without accounting for expenses), any company with revenues above that would need to apply individually and can do so through the same application link.
• This package is only for companies with no claims in the last five years, any company who have had a claim in the last five years would need to apply individually and can do so through the same application link.
• The coverage is available starting July 1.  Each company would complete an application form to apply and receive confirmation directly from the insurance company.   Ideally, we would like to get everyone signed up as of July 1.
• If your current insurance coverage expires after July 1, you can apply as the coverage expires or cancel your current policy and apply.
• Policy wording available upon request: info@carst.ca 

In addition we are working on additional features, we will let you know once these have been made available:

• Extra premium option for $5 mill E&O
• Additional premium options for vapour Intrusion or methane activities

This rate would apply if CARST had 100 members sign-on to package:

Activity	$2m E&O / $2m CGL	$2m E&O / $5m CGL
Radon measurement only	$1,300	$1,550
Radon testing, inspection, mitigation and installation services	$2,550	$3,050

This rate would apply if CARST had 201-1000 members sign-on to package:

Activity	$2m E&O / $2m CGL	$2m E&O / $5m CGL
Radon measurement only	$1,000	$1,250
Radon testing, inspection, mitigation and installation services	$2,000	$2,500

Update: (February 2020)

A major need to date is the need to increase input from members.  Moving to a mandatory program would need agreement from a significant number of members.  In addition, the members who have provided input have put forward some useful suggestions to the program and coverage.

We are waiting for updated information from the insurance representative and then we will put forward new communication to the members requesting feedback.  We will update this page as well as email out communication once received.

Update: (January 2020)

On Thursday, January 23, we hosted an online webinar regarding a proposed insurance package.  You can view the webinar here.

Here is a quick update into the progress of the package. 

Summary to date:  We are looking into a package insurance policy which would apply for all certified professionals.  We acknowledge that often for our members obtaining insurance has been time consuming, expensive and challenging and so we have made it a priority to investigate a way to alleviate these issues.

Currently, we have a proposed package for our members and as discussed in the webinar our insurance contact is pursuing other options to obtain a package to meet all the needs of our members.

We welcome input from our C-NRPP Professionals.  Please continue to provide us with your input through the C-NRPP Facebook page, Online Survey or email (info@carst.ca).

(Note: the C-NRPP Facebook group is a closed discussion available for C-NRPP professionals, if you are certified please send a request and you will be added).

The CARST Board discussed next steps at their February 11 board meeting.  To date, the board is deciding between a mandatory, all inclusive type package which would be quite cost effective and a group policy which would allow members to opt out but would not provide the same level of pricing.

Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists Récapitulation 2020 Nous arrivons de nouveau à ce moment de l’année ! Avec le Mois de la sensibilisation au radon derrière nous et les Fêtes qui approchent à grands pas, il n’y a pas de meilleur moment pour prendre un moment pour évaluer la dernière année. Et quelle année cela a été ! Malgré les défis actuels posés par la COVID-19, la plupart des parties prenantes du radon nous disent que les affaires sont en plein essor. Alors que la gestion d’une entreprise en pleine pandémie exige une flexibilité et une créativité sans précédent, les confinements et les mesures de santé et de sécurité semblent n’avoir fait que sensibiliser davantage les Canadiens au fait que la qualité de l’air dans leur maison est une chose dont ils devraient se soucier. Comme presque tout le monde passe plus de temps à la maison, le message ne pouvait pas arriver à un meilleur moment. À l’ACSTR, nous nous sommes adaptés pour répondre aux besoins changeants des professionnels en radon tout en poursuivant les projets en cours. Consultez nos nouvelles ressources pour les propriétaires et les locataires ici. De plus, cette année, les villes de Kelowna, Edmonton et Regina ainsi que la province du Manitoba ont toutes proclamé le mois de novembre « le Mois de la sensibilisation au radon » grâce à nos efforts ! FACEBOOK  •  TWITTER    Unsubscribe

C-NRPP continues to be a driving force in radon research. The following projects are all ongoing: - The COIRA (Coalition of International Radon Associations) Chamber Intercomparison project is the first of its kind. As radon reference devices travel from chamber to chamber across the globe, the data so far is very promising. The devices are currently in Australia, making progress despite the pandemic. C-NRPP holds a leading role in moving the project forward. - The Canadian passive device comparison – another first. Taking notes from Public Health England’s bi-annual efforts, C-NRPP is currently comparing all the passive radon detectors available for purchase in Canada. Results should be available in 2021. - Radon device placement: does it really matter if you place that detector near an outside wall? What about in a drawer? Every radon professional has their theories, but only proper research will give us the answers. C-NRPP has begun this research, with results not anticipated until late in 2021 or possibly 2022. - Consumer Device Comparison – follow-up research. Last year’s C-NRPP's  A comparison of consumer-grade electronic radon monitors was another first, with the results in high demand. (link to research) This year C-NRPP continues that research, beginning an investigation into the lifespan of consumer-grade electronic radon monitors, which continue to flood the market. With the initial research being published in the Journal of Radiological Protection, the second round of results may be available late in 2021. - C-NRPP has developed a Technical Bulletin: Decision to Mitigate to help answer your client’s questions on radon testing. This bulletin is intended to assist a professional when faced with a homeowner who has tested their home for radon using a device or method which is not in accordance with Health Canada’s guidelines. It is expected that the radon mitigation professional help the homeowner to understand whether their radon measurement was conducted in accordance with Health Canada’s guidelines, and be able to explain how deviating from the guidelines may affect the test result. - Finally, a reminder to all C-NRPP professionals to keep up the good work, and continue to follow all regional public health guidelines as you visit clients. We recommend that our professionals take an approach of prevention and preparedness with respect to COVID-19, to protect themselves and their employees, as well as the occupants of the buildings where measurement and mitigation activities are conducted. See our COVID statement here.

Le PNCR-C continue d’être une force directrice dans la recherche sur le radon. Les projets suivants sont tous en cours :

- Le Projet de comparaison entre les chambres du COIRA (Coalition of International Radon Associations) est le premier de son genre. Comme les dispositifs de référence du radon se déplacent de chambre en chambre à travers le monde, les données recueillies jusqu’à présent sont très prometteuses. Les appareils se trouvent actuellement en Australie, où ils progressent malgré la pandémie. Le PNCR-C joue un rôle moteur dans l’avancement du projet.

- La comparaison des dispositifs passifs canadiens — une autre première. Prenant note des efforts semestriels de Public Health England, le PNCR-C compare actuellement tous les détecteurs passifs de radon offerts à l’achat au Canada. Les résultats devraient être disponibles en 2021.

- L’emplacement du détecteur de radon : est-il vraiment important si l’on place ce détecteur près d’un mur extérieur ? Et dans un tiroir ? Chaque professionnel en radon a ses théories, mais seules des recherches appropriées nous donneront les réponses. Le PNCR-C a commencé ces recherches, dont les résultats ne sont pas attendus avant la fin de 2021 ou peut-être 2022.

- La comparaison des appareils pour consommateurs — recherche de suivi. La comparaison de l’année dernière des appareils électroniques de mesure du radon destinés aux consommateurs était une autre première, dont les résultats ont été très attendus. (article disponible ici en anglais) Cette année, le PNCR-C poursuit cette recherche en commençant une enquête sur la durée de vie des appareils électroniques de radon pour consommateurs, car ces appareils continuent à inonder le marché. La recherche initiale étant publiée dans le Journal of Radiological Protection et la deuxième série de résultats pourrait être disponible à la fin de 2021.

- Le PNCR-C a élaboré un Bulletin technique : La décision d’atténuer pour aider à répondre aux questions de vos clients sur le dépistage du radon. Ce bulletin est destiné à aider un professionnel lorsqu’il est confronté à un propriétaire qui a effectué une mesure de radon dans sa maison en utilisant un appareil ou une méthode qui n’est pas conforme aux lignes directrices de Santé Canada. On s’attend à ce que le professionnel en atténuation du radon aide le propriétaire à comprendre si sa mesure de radon a été effectuée conformément aux lignes directrices de Santé Canada, et qu’il est en mesure d’expliquer comment un écart par rapport aux lignes directrices peut affecter le résultat de la mesure.

- Enfin, nous rappelons à tous les professionnels du PNCR-C de continuer à faire du bon travail et de suivre toutes les directives régionales de santé publique lors de leurs visites aux clients. Nous recommandons à nos professionnels d’adopter une approche de prévention et de préparation en ce qui concerne la COVID-19, afin de se protéger et de protéger leurs employés, ainsi que les occupants des bâtiments où les activités de mesure et d’atténuation sont menées.  Cliquez ici pour DÉCLARATION DU PNCR-C À PROPOS DU COVID-19

At CARST, we’ve seen the value of engaging with provinces and municipalities to talk with them about radon, and so this October and November we reached out to a number of cities and provinces informing the mayor and councils or ministers about radon statistics for their regions as well as asking them to proclaim November as Radon Action Month. 

The result was the cities of Kelowna, Edmonton, Calgary and Regina all proclaimed November as Radon Action Month as well as the province of Manitoba!

 

There has been a lot of discussion as to whether the radon clauses in the current Ontario Building code would be modified for 2019.  For the moment, they will not.  As it’s currently written, the Ontario Building Code does allow communities to take action on radon.

You can find the most recent changes to the Ontario Building as they were posted on May 2, 2019: http://www.codenews.ca/.  These changes will be implemented as of January 1, 2020.  It is our understanding that the sections of the building code that reference radon will not be changed.  As a result, it is up to each municipality to determine if they are an area where, “radon gases are known to be a problem” 

This provides municipalities with the opportunity and responsibility to determine if they should be implementing radon gas measures.  They can refer to SB9 for guidance on the development of their radon gas measures.  For those municipalities who are making decisions, many are being proactive by conducting radon surveys.  Take Action on Radon has also developed the 100 Radon Test Kit Challenge to support municipalities in this. 

Find more details om the TAOR 100 Radon Test Kit Challenge here…. https://takeactiononradon.ca/100-radon-test-kit-challenge/

To date there have been a few municipalities who have created their own program.  We have listed the ones we know about below:

Thunder Bay:

https://www.thunderbay.ca/en/city-services/resources/Documents/TB198---Single-Family-Dwelling-16.pdf

Guelph:

https://guelph.ca/city-hall/building-permits-inspections/residential-building-permits/radon/

Central Elgin:

https://www.centralelgin.org/en/business-development/resources/Documents/Radon-Bulletin.pdf

Grey Bruce:

https://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Portals/0/Documents/Publications/General%20Reports/Radon%20Policy%20Statement.pdf

Perth:

https://www.pertheast.ca/en/municipal-services/resources/Building-Dept.-/Radon-Gas-Program.pdf

City of Kingston: 

https://www.cityofkingston.ca/resident/building-renovating/radon-gas-mitigation

Hamilton:

https://www.hamilton.ca/build-invest-grow/construction-renovation/residential-building-renovation/residential-construction

Ottawa:

https://documents.ottawa.ca/sites/documents/files/radon_soil_gas_advisory_en.pdf

(This page is was last updated June 1, 2020)

We know this is a difficult time for all our members and there are a lot of difficult decisions to be made these days.

Ceci est un temps difficile pour tous nos professionnels. ACSTR a compilé une liste de liens qui pourraient être utiles, en incluant des liens au laboratoires d'analyse.

CARST webinar: COVID-19 Back to Radon Mitigation and Measurement Webinar

During our webinar we made reference to a guideline resource document that we have developed.  Here is the link for the resource document, which includes all the links that were previously listed on this page.

CARSTs COVID Guideline Resource Document

Here is the link for the COVID Quiz to obtain your Certificate for your C-NRPP renewal:     COVID-19 Quiz to be completed for certificate

Presentation Decks from the Webinar:

COVID Presentation with Dr. Anne-Marie Nicol

CARST Presentation on Steps for preparing to get back to work

Practical perspective with Jeff Leblanc

ACSTR webinare: COVID-19 Reprise du travail d’atténuation et des mesures de radon et les Subventions de OTDR

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPXLsSTgODk&t=2s

ACSTR COVID_ Retour au travail Guide pour les professionnels de radon

Quiz à compléter pour certificat

Liens:

Présentation COVID de Dre. Anne-Marie Nicol

Présentation de l'ACSTR pour le retour au travail

Présentation pratique avec Jeff Leblanc

Do you have any suggestions that you can share with fellow professionals on how you are handling this with your business?  Click the blue square at the top left  of this post to add your comments.