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Mercaptan: the smell of safety. Natural gas is naturally odourless. So we add trace amounts of a pungent chemical called mercaptan to our natural gas because we want you to smell it if there’s a leak. Mercaptan is derived from naturally occurring compounds like hydrogen sulphide, which has a strong smell even in very low concentrations.
- Table of Contents
- What is radon?
- What are the health effects of radon?
- How can radon get into my home?
- What are the radon levels in Canada?
- What is the current Canadian Guideline for radon in indoor air?
- How do I test my home for radon?
- Where can I get a radon test device?
- Where in my home should I perform the test?
- Will high levels of radon affect the value of my house?
•What is radon?
•What are the health effects of radon?
•How can radon get into my home?
•What are the radon levels in Canada?
•What is the current Canadian Guideline for radon in indoor air?
•How do I test my home for radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally when the uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It is invisible, odourless and tasteless. When radon is released from the ground into the outdoor air, it is diluted and is not a concern. However, in enclosed spaces like homes, it can accumulate to high levels. High radon levels can be a risk to the health of you and your family.
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When radon gas is inhaled into the lungs it decays into radioactive particles that release small bursts of energy. This energy is absorbed by nearby lung tissue, damaging the lung cells. When cells are damaged, they have the potential to result in cancer when they reproduce.
Radon exposure is the #1 cause of lung cancer in non- smokers. Exposure to high levels of radon in indoor air results in an increased risk of developing lung cancer. The risk of cancer depends on the level of radon and how long a person is exposed to those levels.
Radon gas moves through the ground and escapes outside or into buildings.
Radon can enter a home any place it finds an opening where the house is in contact with the ground: cracks in foundation walls and in floor slabs, construction joints, gaps around service pipes, support posts, window casements, floor drains, sumps or cavities inside walls.
Figure 1. How can radon get into my home?
Figure 1 - Text Description
All homes in Canada have radon gas in them. Concentrations differ greatly across the country, but are usually higher in areas where there is a higher amount of uranium in underlying rock and soil.
Radon concentration levels will vary from one house to another, even if they are similar designs and next door to each other. No matter the age, type of construction or where your home is located, the only way to be sure of the radon level in your home is to test.
The Canadian guideline for radon in indoor air for dwellings is 200 Becquerels per cubic metre (200 Bq/m3). A Becquerel is a unit that measures the emission of radiation per second. The radon level in a dwelling should not be above the guideline. While the health risk from radon exposure below the Canadian guideline is small there is no level that is risk free. It is the choice of each homeowner to decide what level of radon exposure they are willing to accept. The chart below compares the risk of dying of radon-induced lung cancer to other better known risks such as car accidents, carbon monoxide and house fires. The risk of lung cancer from radon gas exposure is significant but preventable. The only way to know your radon level is to test and if high levels are found take action to reduce.
Figure 2. Annual Deaths in Canada
Figure 2 - Text Description
The bar chart illustrates how radon-induced lung cancer compares to other health concerns. The annual death rate in Canada from exposure to radon-induced lung cancer is 3,200 deaths, higher than car accidents 1,898 deaths, carbon monoxide 300 deaths and house fires 109 deaths combined.
References:
1.www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/road/publications/canadian-motor-vehicle-traffic-collision-statistics-2016.html
There are two options for testing a house for radon: purchase a do-it-yourself radon test kit or hire a radon measurement professional. If you choose to purchase a radon test kit, you must closely follow the instructions to properly complete the test.
If you choose to hire a service provider to perform the radon test in your house, it is recommended that you ensure they are certified and will conduct a long term test for a minimum of 3 months.
Radon test kits may be purchased over the phone, on the internet or from home improvement retailers. The radon test kits include instructions on how to set up the test and to send it back to a lab for analysis once the testing period is over. The cost of testing ranges from $30 to $60. For information on radon testing go to: www.takeactiononradon.c...
To provide a realistic estimate of the radon exposure to your family, all measurements should be made in the lowest lived-in level of the home. That means the lowest level that is used or occupied for more than four hours per day. For some, this may be a basement with a rec room, for others it will be the ground floor. If you only use your basement...
Remember all homes have radon gas in them. Where a high radon level is detected, it can be successfully lowered at a cost which is usually small when compared to the value of the house. When a high radon level is found, fixing the problem can help protect the value of your home.
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Feb 1, 2023 · Utility companies are typically responsible for all pipelines from their main line up until the point at which they split off into individual homes or businesses. These pipelines are usually located in public spaces such as roads, sidewalks, parks, and other areas owned by the municipality. Thus, if your home has a gas leak that appears to be ...
Radon is an odorless, tasteless, and invisible radioactive gas that can seep into homes, increasing the risk of lung cancer, particularly among non-smokers, and is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the U.S. Testing for radon in homes is essential due to its invisible nature.
A list of signs you may have a natural gas leak around or in your home, what to do test for leaks, what you should do if you smell gas. Call (704) 741-8714 Book Online Book Online ABOUT
Aug 13, 2024 · Gas is an essential utility in many homes, providing energy for heating, cooking, and hot water. However, gas leaks pose a significant danger, potentially leading to fires, explosions, or serious health issues from inhaling toxic fumes. Recognizing the signs of a gas leak and knowing how to respond quickly can save lives and prevent property … What to Do if You Smell Gas in your home: A Step ...
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