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Radon in Schools: A Review of Radon Testing Efforts in Canadian Schools

Author

Listed:
  • Sandy Shergill

    (CAREX Canada, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A1S6, Canada
    Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A1S6, Canada
    Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A0G4, Canada)

  • Lindsay Forsman-Phillips

    (CAREX Canada, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A1S6, Canada)

  • Anne-Marie Nicol

    (CAREX Canada, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A1S6, Canada
    Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A1S6, Canada
    National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health (NCCEH), Vancouver, BC V5Z4R4, Canada)

Abstract

Radon, a known carcinogen, becomes a health risk when it accumulates inside buildings. Exposure is of particular concern for children, as their longer life expectancy increases their lifetime risk of developing cancer. In 2016, 5.5 million students were enrolled in Canadian elementary and secondary schools. With no national policy on radon testing in schools, children may be at risk from radon exposure while attending school and school-based programs. This study explored radon testing efforts in publicly funded Canadian schools and summarizes where testing programs have occurred. Radon testing in schools was identified through a systematic qualitative enquiry, surveying members from different levels of government (health and education) and other stakeholders (school boards, research experts, among others). Overall, this research found that approaches to radon testing varied considerably by province and region. Responsibility for radon testing in schools was often deferred between government, school boards, building managers and construction parties. Transparency around radon testing, including which schools had been tested and whether radon levels had been mitigated, also emerged as an issue. Radon testing of schools across Canada, including mitigation and clear communication strategies, needs to improve to ensure a healthy indoor environment for staff and students.

Suggested Citation

  • Sandy Shergill & Lindsay Forsman-Phillips & Anne-Marie Nicol, 2021. "Radon in Schools: A Review of Radon Testing Efforts in Canadian Schools," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-9, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:10:p:5469-:d:558449
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kelsey Gordon & Paul D. Terry & Xingxing Liu & Tiffany Harris & Don Vowell & Bud Yard & Jiangang Chen, 2018. "Radon in Schools: A Brief Review of State Laws and Regulations in the United States," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-9, September.
    2. Kristy R. Kutanzi & Annie Lumen & Igor Koturbash & Isabelle R. Miousse, 2016. "Pediatric Exposures to Ionizing Radiation: Carcinogenic Considerations," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-14, October.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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