Highest radon levels found in 3 P.E.I. schools

Recent testing for radon gas in P.E.I. public buildings found the highest levels were in three schools.

The provincial government began testing radon gas levels in buildings last winter after Health Canada reduced what was considered an acceptable level from 800 becquerels per cubic metre to 200. Results were released Wednesday.

The highest levels found in the testing of 87 buildings were in:

• Rollo Bay Consolidated.
• St. Louis Elementary.
• Souris Consolidated.

"The levels in those schools are still below what was previously the acceptable guideline and the guideline is only recently changed," said provincial epidemiologist Dr. Carolyn Sanford.

"We're still pretty positive that we just go in, and have a look at these buildings and see if there's anything that can specify why they may be a little bit elevated."

Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive gas that has been linked to lung cancer. It is generated by uranium breaking down in the ground.

It is not a problem outside, where it quickly dissipates, but can be a problem when it concentrates indoors.

This summer, inspectors will be looking for places radon could be getting into the schools and 17 other buildings where some samples came in above the new guidelines. They will then attempt to seal the radon out. The buildings will retested next winter. All untested schools on the Island are also slated for testing.

In all, 504 air samples were taken last winter, and 39 were found to be higher than 200 becquerels per cubic metre. None was over 800.

Islanders should consider home testing

Deputy chief health officer Dr. Lamont Sweet said Islanders should consider having their homes tested for radon gas.

While the Island's radon levels are low compared to many other places across the country, said Sweet, he suggested radon testing would fit in with other healthy home testing people do.

"We're hoping … the same as getting their water tested to make sure that it's free of bacteria for their drinking water, they'll also want radon levels done," said Sweet.

"There will be some cost and people will have to pay for the testing."

Testing can cost up to $100.