How public health professionals can help reduce radon risk in Canada

Abstract

Radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless radioactive gas that can accumulate in homes, schools, and other buildings. Chronic exposure to elevated radon levels is a well-established public health threat and a leading cause of lung cancer in people who don’t smoke.  Reducing people’s exposure to radon is straightforward – even buildings with very high levels can be fixed. The biggest challenge for researchers and health practitioners has been public education and encouraging people to test.

The Take Action on Radon program, funded in part by Health Canada, has developed a community-based engagement model to encourage radon testing. The team works with community leaders to raise awareness, galvanize action, and support people on their radon testing journey. Over the past 5 years, more than 15,000 people across all provinces have taken part- providing interesting results and new insights into how to encourage radon action. 

This presentation provides an overview of this community-engaged radon work and the steps that are effective for increasing radon awareness and testing rates. The presentation also explores how the data collected from community based work can be integrated into public health policy and practice using the BC Radon Repository and Map as an example. Join us if you are new to radon or already working in this important environmental public health area. 

Speakers

David McVea, MD, PhD is a Public Health Physician at the BC Centre for Disease Control, specializing in Environmental Health. His work focuses on toxicology and poison control, environmental contaminants, radiation safety, and other environmental hazards including extreme weather and climate change.  

Anne-Marie Nicol, MD, PhD is a Knowledge Mobilization Specialist at the BC Centre for Disease Control. She works to move information about radon gas exposure from evidence to policy and practice across British Columbia.