Master Radon out of Regina is bringing a free, no-obligation information seminar on radon gas to the Moose Jaw Events Centre on Thursday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. to help Moose Jaw residents understand the risks of radon gas, and how to mitigate them.
Radon is a radioactive gas formed naturally underground. It is the result of the slow decay of trace amounts of uranium in soil and rocks. It is invisible, odourless, and tasteless. Radon is rarely a problem outdoors, but when it seeps up into homes indoors, it can build up over time.
According to Health Canada, radon gas is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Breathing in the mildly radioactive particles exposes lung tissue to small bursts of energy that damage lung cells, increasing the risk of the cells turning cancerous.
According to Master Radon's site (masterradon.ca), the greatest risk factors for a home to have higher-than-recommended radon levels are:
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A new sewer back-flow valve has been installed.
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Cast iron sewer lines have been replaced under the concrete floor.
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The sewer line to the city property has been replaced.
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There are 1 or more sump pits with or without sump pumps.
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The floor in the basement is wooden.
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The concrete basement floor is badly cracked.
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The foundation and/or basement floor has been levelled by some jacking method. (Slab Jacking or Spray Foam)
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New weeping tile has been installed (either inside or outside the home).
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The basement walls are cracked.
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Home has a crawlspace.
The most common method of installing a radon mitigation system is to draw the radon from under the slab and vent it to the outdoors. An added benefit is often improved air quality in the home.
Frank Kirkpatrick, owner and operator of Master Radon, worked in construction for 40 years before becoming a certified radon risk mitigation specialist. He and his crew have since worked in communities across the province, including Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Saskatoon, Estevan, and many more.
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