Highest radon levels found in 3 P.E.I. schools
18.07.2008 20:01
Health
- Source: cbc.ca
 Three schools were found to have the highest radon levels.(CBC)Recent testing for radon gas in P.E.I. public buildings found the highest levels were in three schools. The provincial government began testing radon gas levels in buildings last winter after Health Canada reduced what was considered an acceptable level from 800 becquerels per cubic metre to 200. Results were released Wednesday. The highest levels found in the testing of 87 buildings were in: - Rollo Bay Consolidated.
- St. Louis Elementary.
- Souris Consolidated.
"The levels in those schools are still below what was previously the acceptable guideline and the guideline is only recently changed," said provincial epidemiologist Dr. Carolyn Sanford. "We're still pretty positive that we just go in, and have a look at these buildings and see if there's anything that can specify why they may be a little bit elevated." Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive gas that has been linked to lung cancer. It is generated by uranium breaking down in the ground. It is not a problem outside, where it quickly dissipates, but can be a problem when it concentrates indoors. This summer, inspectors will be looking for places radon could be getting into the schools and 17 other buildings where some samples came in above the new guidelines. They will then attempt to seal the radon out. The buildings will retested next winter. All untested schools on the Island are also slated for testing. In all, 504 air samples were taken last winter, and 39 were found to be higher than 200 becquerels per cubic metre. None was over 800. Islanders should consider home testing Lamont Sweet said radon levels on the Island are relatively low, but it is worth doing testing in homes.(CBC)Deputy chief health officer Dr. Lamont Sweet said Islanders should consider having their homes tested for radon gas. While the Island's radon levels are low compared to many other places across the country, said Sweet, he suggested radon testing would fit in with other healthy home testing people do. "We're hoping … the same as getting their water tested to make sure that it's free of bacteria for their drinking water, they'll also want radon levels done," said Sweet. "There will be some cost and people will have to pay for the testing." Testing can cost up to $100. Story Tools: E-MAIL | PRINT | Text Size: SMLXL | REPORT TYPO | SEND YOUR FEEDBACKRelatedInternal LinksP.E.I. radon levels 'relatively low'Audio The CBC's Maggie Brown talks with Dr. Lamont Sweet and Larry Koughan, who conducted the tests. (Runs: 6:39) Play: Real Media »External LinksHealth Canada: radon gas (Note: CBC does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of external sites - links will open in new window) Health HeadlinesCanadian researchers discover ovulation geneCanadian and European researchers have discovered the gene that regulates ovulation.Clinton announces anti-malaria drug dealFormer U.S. president Bill Clinton says a price-cutting deal has been reached with some of the world's leading manufacturers of anti-malaria drugs. Protein test better than cholesterol test in predicting heart attacks: studyMeasuring the ratio of two forms of proteins in the blood is superior to cholesterol testing as a means of predicting heart attack risk and should become part of standard practice by doctors, researchers say. Traditional Chinese doctors fight federal regulation under Bill C-51Doctors of Chinese Medicine across Canada have joined forces to fight the federal government's controversial Bill C-51, a proposed law that critics say will make many natural health products unavailable, including Chinese herbs.Counterfeit Oral-B toothbrushes recalled for choking hazardHealth Canada on Friday issued a recall of counterfeit Oral-B Classic 40 Medium toothbrushes because they may pose a choking hazard. Health FeaturesBIRTH CONTROLThird World woesMillions need help, advocates sayHEALTH & FITNESSExercise and heatRisky business?HEALTHLife spanLongevity secrets from around the worldVIDEOYour heartCan depression lead to heart disease? (3:29)HEALTH & FITNESSPeter HadzipetrosBreaking up's not that hard to doPeople who read this also read …
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