Winnie Cheng, Regional Radiation Specialist Environmental Health Program, Health Canada, BC Region 3 rd Annual BC Radon Workshop, Kelowna

Transcription

1 Winnie Cheng, Regional Radiation Specialist Environmental Health Program, Health Canada, BC Region 3 rd Annual BC Radon Workshop, Kelowna

2 I. Radon Testing: Why the need? 2

3 Why Radon is a Concern? Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Health Canada estimates 3,200 lung cancer deaths per year are related to radon. 3

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5 Health Canada Recommendation Health Canada encourages ALL Canadians to test their homes for radon. Health Canada recommends action to reduce radon levels to as low as practicable. There is NO SAFE LEVEL with Radon. 5

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7 Radon Testing: Long Term Health Canada recommends long term testing for a minimum of 3 months. Testing a home or building for radon is simple and inexpensive: 1. Detectors can be purchased at hardware stores, online, Lung Associations, public health units etc. For a list of testing resources go to TakeActiononRadon.ca 2. Radon testing can be performed by the homeowner or by a certified radon measurement specialist, for a fee. 7

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10 Electret Ion Chamber Radon Testing: Detectors Alpha Track Detector (ATD) Continuous Radon Monitor (CRM) 10

11 Mitigation Timeframe for Taking Action Bq/m 3 fix your home within 2 years > 600 Bq/m 3 fix your home within 1 year 11

12 1. National Radon Lab 5. Education & Awareness National Radon Program Radon Testing Project Radon Research Database / Surveys 3. 12

13 National Radon Program: 5 Components 1. National Radon Lab and 2. Radon Testing Project: Federal building testing project ( ): Over 15,000 buildings tested to date. 3. Survey: Cross Canada Survey of Radon Concentrations in Homes ( ): Over 14,000 homes tested. 4. Research: Health Canada completed radon research in testing, mitigation techniques, granite and building materials 13

14 ~1,100 Federal Buildings Tested in BC 51 Buildings exceeded the guideline 14

15 Percent of BC Homes in Exceedance by Health Regions Cross Canada Residential Survey: BC Mapping Northwest 5.2% Northeast 10.0% % % % Northshore / Coast Garibaldi 2.5% Northshore / Coast Garibaldi 2.5% North Vancouver Island <1.0% Central Vancouver Island <1.0% South Vancouver Island 1.8% Northern Interior 12.0% Thompson / Cariboo 6.4% Fraser East 3.0% Fraser, Vancouver, Richmond <1.0% Okanagan 17.4% East Kootenay 19.0% Kootenay-Boundary 29.3% 5 15

16 National Radon Program: 5 Components 5. Radon education and awareness programs across the country Launch of 2 nd annual Radon Action Month November 2014 TakeActiononRadon.ca Development of a PSA with Mike Holmes Promotion of the new radon accredited continuing medical education (CME) course 19

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18 New HC Guide + Radon Brochure 18

19 Other activities: National Radon Program National radon standards (new and existing construction) via Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) Development of a Canadian Certification Program Development of radon measurement and mitigation guidance documents 16

20 Measurement & Mitigation Protocols Mitigation Measurement 17

21 II. Radon Professionals Certification 21

22 What is C-NRPP? The Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) A certification program designed to establish guidelines for training professionals in radon services. Web link: Find a Professional How to Become Certified Certification Training Providers 22

23 C-NRPP Certified Radon Professional 23

24 Why Certification? Consumer Advantage Establish competency level Uniform standards and/or approaches Provide basis for litigation or regulatory action Knowing a potential public health risk has been effectively assessed and/or addressed Private Sector Marketing Advantage for: Inspectors Contractors (HVAC professionals, Plumbers, etc.) Builders Liability protection if program standards are followed 24

25 STEP 5 Maintain C-NRPP certification through Continuing Education & apply for renewal of Certification (every 2 years) STEP 4 Certified Radon Professional Individual will be listed as C-NRPP Radon Measurement / Mitigation Professional STEP 3 Within 12 months - Must complete the C-NRPP certification application form STEP 1 Register and attend the Canadian Measurement or Measurement + Mitigation Entry Level course STEP 2 Pass the Canadian Measurement / Mitigation Entry Level certification Exam 25

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27 C-NRPP Exams for Certification Exam duration: 2.5 hours Proctored Exam cost: Approximately $125 per exam Exams in both French and English 27

28 Maintaining C-NRPP Credential Obtain 20 credit hours every 2 years Continuing Education Course: Minimum 4 hours C-NRPP courses classroom or distance based At least 16 Hours from 2 of the Categories: Community Outreach and Radon Awareness Professional Development Radon Industry Participation Hands On Practice 28

29 C-NRPP Inquiry Pam Warkentin Assistant Director Phone: (CST/CDT) Toll free:

30 Available Resources or Certified mitigator in your area: Winnie Cheng, Regional Radiation Specialist

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