Elevated levels of 'silent killer' radon take Nova Scotia homeowners by surprise

Nova Scotians who participated in radon testing are urging others in the province to protect their health and check their houses for the cancer-causing radioactive gas.

Conny McRiner of Timberlea was shocked to learn her home had high levels of radon:524 becquerels, ormore than double the maximum of 200 recommended by Health Canada. A becquerel is aunit of measurement for radioactivity.

McRiner's husband, Scott, spends his days in their basement where he has a home office.

"That's what really scared me," said ConnyMcRiner.

"If we weren't in the basement, if it was just where he had a workshop, I wouldn't be as concerned.But where he is down there Monday to Friday, all day working,that is a really big concern for me."

Known cause of lung cancer

Timberlea is an area of Nova Scotia identified as having highlevels of the naturally occurring gas, whichis created by the breakdown of radium in soil, rock and water.

Long-term exposure to the odourless, tasteless gas is known to increasethe risk oflung cancer.

McRiner and her husband bought their home less than two years ago. She said if they'd been living there for longer, she would be urging her husbandto talk to his doctor.

She recommendsothers test for radon. As a real estate agent, McRiner saidtestingcan make a difference when it's time to sell.

"You can say, "We had our radon checked. It was high and this is the system we have to protect you and your family when you buy our house.'"

'What would have happened over the years?'

Testing at Carly Brake's Halifax home also identified a problem.

"We have a result of 353 [becquerels], which is above the recommended 200," she said. "They're telling me I have to get remediation done within the next twoyears to be able to get into a safe zone."

Brake, who has a toddler, said she was surprised by the results.

"As much as you know it can happen anywhere, you still kind of don't think it's going to be you," she said.

Her basement area is used mostly for laundry and storage but she has already contacted companies to get rid of the radon.

"What would have happened over the years?" she said.

"This is our home. We expect to stay here for a long time. Elevated levels over the years would have certainly increased our chances of cancer."

'Peace of mind'

On the other side of the spectrum, Marilyn Martineau of Eastern Passage was delighted with her results, which showed very low levels of radon in her downstairs family room.

Her husband, Denis, spends a lot of time there watching sports.

"Just knowing there could be a silent killer roaming around in your basement is very unsettling and this just gave us peace of mind," she said.

• Nova Scotians urged to test for cancer-causing radon

McRiner, Brake and Martineau were three of five homes tested after the Radiation Safety Institute of Canada offered fivetests to the CBCas a way of raising awareness about radon and the dangers it can pose.

The tests were distributed to the first fivepeople who were interested in participating. Two of the tests showed high results, the remaining three were below acceptable levels.

Lung Associationtests show high levels

The Lung Association of Nova Scotiaalso recently offered free radon test kits to 500 Nova Scotians who live in areas where radon is known to be high. They included Cape Breton, central Nova Scotia, the South Shore, theAnnapolis Valley and the Halifax municipality.

"The results we have so far show that about 50 per centof the homes were actually over the 200 becquerel guidelines which is cause for concern, no question," saidRobert MacDonald, a spokespersonfor the association.

He said previous studies show that approximately 10 to 15 per centof homes in the province are usually above the limit but in this case they did target areas that are known to have higher levels.

Radon is everywhere

Radon seeps into homes through sump pump holes, cracks in the foundation, earthen floorsor anywhere there's an opening.

There are still people that have not heard of radon and the danger that it can cause.- Robert MacDonald, Lung Association of Nova Scotia

Outside, it disperses to harmless levels. But inside homesit can build up and be very dangerous, particularly when it's inhaled over a significant period of time.

The lung association has said it's estimated 120 Nova Scotians die from lung cancer caused by radon every year.

Still, the problem isn't on everyone's radar.

"There arestill people that have not heard of radon and the danger that it can cause," said MacDonald.

Tests easy and inexpensive

Test kits can be purchased through the lung association or at many hardware stores for approximately $40. The association recommends people use long-term kits that stay in place for three months rather thanthe three-day tests that are also on the market.

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The cost of getting rid of radon can vary depending on individual situations.

"Ninety per cent of the work we do costs between $1,400 and $1,500," said Mike Hennessey, the owner of Radon Atlantic.

"Occasionally it can cost as much as $2,500 but I can't remember the last time the bill was over $3,000."