Test homes for radon, province urges residents

Provincial health officials are advising Nova Scotians to get their homes tested for radon gas, a natural substancethatcan lead to cancer.

The recommendation comes as Health Canada proposes to lower the acceptable limit for radonfrom 800 Becquerels per cubic metre to 200.

Radon is a colourless, odourless gas released by the decay of uranium in soil. Long-term exposure to high levels of the radioactive substance can lead to cancer.

A 1997 national survey suggested that radongas exposure led to the deaths of 1,589 Canadians, said Dr. Robert Strang, a medical officer of health in Nova Scotia.

"Based on the Nova Scotia proportion of the national population … about 40 Nova Scotians died from lung cancer due to radon exposure," Strang said Monday.

All the schools in the province will be tested for radonover the nextfive years. Schools in the St. Margaret's Bay area that have had radon-related water problemswill get priority.

New schools like Citadel High in Halifax are being built with radon vents as a precaution, butolder schools may need expensive refits.

Testing of homes urged

Aradiation consultant said radon exposure is not always harmful.

"It's with us everywhere, as we walk the streets, it's there," said Pat Wall, of the Department of Environment and Labour. "Where it is a danger is when it enters an enclosed space."

That'swhy people need to test their homes, he said, adding the average cost is between $50 and $100.

Lewis Brill, president of the Lung Association of Nova Scotia, would like to see the province pick up the tab for those who can't afford it.

"I certainly think cost could be a factor for low-income people, and I think this is something we would ask the government to take a look at,"he said.

Cost should not be a barrier when it comes to protecting health, Brill said.