Radon in the Kootenays: What You Need to Know
When it comes to home safety, one silent threat often flies under the radar—radon gas. A naturally occurring soil gas originating from uranium deposits deep underground, radon can make its way into homes, posing serious health risks if left unaddressed. Greg Wheaton of West Kootenay Radon Services, based in the Kootenays, has firsthand experience with this issue. His personal journey with radon awareness and mitigation highlights the importance of testing and addressing radon in our homes.
Greg’s Story: From Discovery to Advocacy
Greg, a longtime resident of the Kootenays (He grew up in Creston!) with a 40-year background in renovations and construction, was shocked to discover alarmingly high radon levels in his own home. Determined to address the issue himself, he embarked on a journey of learning, completing his first radon course in 2023. Armed with this knowledge, he installed a radon mitigation system in his home, successfully reducing radon levels below Health Canada’s recommended action level.
Today, Greg offers radon testing and mitigation services to homeowners throughout the West Kootenays and the Creston Valley, helping others protect their families from the dangers of radon exposure.
What is Radon, and Why Should You Care?
Radon gas forms as uranium in the soil breaks down into radium and then radon gas. It can seep into homes through cracks in foundations, walls, and floors.
- Health Risks: Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
- Testing is Essential: You can’t see, smell, or taste radon. The only way to know if it’s in your home is to test.
How Radon Affects Kootenay Homes
Radon levels vary greatly, even between neighboring homes, depending on factors such as construction style, age, and location. The Kootenays, as one of BC’s radon hotspots, have a high prevalence of homes with elevated radon levels.
Testing during the heating months, when homes are closed up and radon levels are typically higher, provides the most accurate readings.
The Testing Process
Health Canada recommends using long-term tests, such as the Alpha Track Detector, for three months to a year to get an accurate measure of radon levels. In Creston, there are several ways to access testing:
- Creston Valley Public Library: Offers radon detectors for short-term rentals (maximum four weeks). These units can be signed out, with a simple library card.
- Purchase a Detector: Detectors like the Alpha Track Detector are available online or locally through Greg for approximately $100.
- Professional Testing: Greg can travel to your home to perform testing and provide a thorough evaluation along with everything you may require to mitigate Radon exposure.
Testing is an essential first step in identifying radon issues and ensuring your home is safe for your family.
What If Your Home Has High Radon Levels?
If testing reveals high radon levels (above 200 Bq/m³, as recommended by Health Canada), mitigation is the next step. This involves creating negative pressure under your home’s footprint using a radon depressurization system, which vents radon gas safely outside.
- Thermal Stack Effect: Radon gas infiltration is often exacerbated by the thermal stack effect in winter months, where warm air rises, drawing radon-laden cold air from lower levels into the home. Mitigation systems counteract this by creating negative pressure beneath the home.
- System Installation: A mitigation system typically includes a suction point beneath the foundation slab or crawl space. A vent pipe connected to an exhaust fan directs the radon gas outside.
- Thorough Testing: Before installation, Greg conducts initial radon tests to determine the severity. After installation, he performs short-term post-installation tests to ensure the system is effective. Additionally, homeowners are left with a long-term Alpha Track Detector to verify the radon levels remain below Health Canada’s recommended action level.
- Durability: Radon mitigation fans, a key component of the system, come with a five-year warranty but often last over 15 years. When replacement is needed, the process is straightforward—simply replacing the fan.
Every home is unique, and the complexity of the mitigation system depends on the home’s design, foundation type, and radon levels. Greg’s personalized approach ensures that each system is designed to effectively and sustainably reduce radon exposure.
Raising Awareness in the Kootenays
Radon awareness in the Kootenays is steadily increasing, but there is still a need for more education and outreach. Programs like the 100 Test Kit Challenge, run by the Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (CARST), are instrumental in raising awareness. This initiative provides municipalities with 100 free radon test kits, including radon detectors, to distribute to local residents. It’s an excellent opportunity for communities to engage in testing and better understand radon risks.
In the Castlegar area, radon testing and awareness have gained significant traction, with many residents actively participating. However, Creston is still relatively new to radon education. Greg Wheaton’s efforts to educate homeowners and local councils are helping bridge this gap. While the 100 Test Kit Challenge is not currently available in Creston, it could be brought to the area if the Town decides to engage with the program. Greg is advocating for more community involvement and encourages local municipalities to consider participating to enhance radon awareness and testing throughout the region.
Resources and Grants
- Grants for Low-Income Households: Assistance may be available to help mitigate radon issues.
- CARST: Provides educational resources and community programs.
- Canadian Lung Association’s Lungs Matter Program
The Canadian Lung Association provides financial support for radon mitigation through the Lungs Matter program. Eligible low- and moderate-income households can receive up to $1,500 to offset mitigation costs. Priority is given to low-income applicants. Eligibility criteria include:
- Income Thresholds: For British Columbia, the maximum household income is $102,500 for families and $34,700 for single individuals.
- Proof of Income: Applicants must provide the latest Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency.
- Professional Mitigation: The radon mitigation must be conducted by a certified professional.
For more details and to apply, visit the Canadian Lung Association’s Lungs Matter: Radon Mitigation Support page.
2.Health Canada’s Radon Action Guides
- Health Canada has published radon action guides that outline various subsidies, incentives, and energy efficiency programs related to radon mitigation. These guides provide information on available financial support and best practices for reducing radon exposure. Access the guides here: Radon action guide for municipalities: Subsidies, incentives … – Canada.
For more information, visit West Kootenay Radon Services or consult Health Canada’s radon resources.
Protect Your Family Today
Radon is a silent threat, but it’s one that can be addressed with knowledge, testing, and mitigation. Whether you’re renting or own your home, testing is the first step to ensuring a safe living environment. Contact Greg at West Kootenay Radon Services for professional advice and services tailored to your needs.
Diana Klejne is proud to partner with local experts like Greg to keep our community safe and informed. For more lifestyle tips and home insights, visit our blog regularly.
📞 Call me at 604-789-8202
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