9–12 Sept 2024
Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering
Europe/Prague timezone

Data driven updates to Canada’s National Radon Program to more effectively address rising radon exposure

10 Sept 2024, 13:30
20m
room 103 (Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering)

room 103

Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering

Břehová 78/7 115 19 Prague 1 Czech Republic GPS. 50.0910372N, 14.4163028E
Oral presentation National programs and projects National programs and projects

Speaker

Dr Pawel Mekarski (Health Canada)

Description

As part of its National Radon Program, Health Canada consistently reviews and updates national radon risk guidance and resources to address knowledge gaps and adapt to the evolving radon landscape in Canada. Health Canada actively seeks and gathers information to ensure its actions are evidence-based and effectively mitigate this health risk.

With emerging data indicating growing radon risks for Canadians, Health Canada has been promoting measures to reduce radon exposure and is updating key guidance elements. Due to the many factors affecting radon levels across Canada’s varied geography and climate, identifying data that directly answer key questions about Canadians' radon exposure can be challenging. To address this, the National Radon Program conducts targeted studies to fill data gaps and gather the necessary evidence for informed decision-making.

Health Canada will present its recent progress in radon reduction strategies, highlighting the data and evidence driving these efforts. This notably includes research and studies supporting the strengthening of Canada’s building codes and the modernization of radon testing guidance with the proliferation of electronic radon monitors. The presentation will also expand on the existing unknowns in the radon testing of Canadian homes, and explore Health Canada’s efforts to answer these remaining questions. Ultimately, these efforts aim to more effectively protect Canadians from the hazards of radon exposure.

Author

Dr Pawel Mekarski (Health Canada)

Presentation materials