Elevated radon gas levels are extremely hazardous to one’s health, especially when exposure happens over an extended period of time. Any structure, whether it be a residence, apartment or business can be susceptible to the deadly gas. It stands to reason that anyone aware of this issue would want to take action immediately, in order to prevent their health from failing.
You see exposure to high radon gas levels is the second leading cause of lung cancer in many countries over including the United States, Canada, Europe and more. That’s why it comes as no surprise that a worker at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry fish hatchery in Dorion, Ontario has refused to work in an area found to have elevated radon levels.
Elevated Radon Gas Levels Lead to Work Refusal at Dorion, Ontario Fish Hatchery
It appears the unnamed worker has a valid claim, as the location currently exhibits levels well above Health Canada’s recommended action limit. The radon gas levels at the location have long been monitored, and several ventilation improvements have even been made to lower them. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that any previous mitigation attempts have been successful.
Since the worker refused to spend time in the affected area, it has gained attention from the Ministry of Labour who is currently inspecting the property and related radon gas levels. The Ministry has yet to release any information about their inspection or what locals should do — including workers from the hatchery.
In an email to CBC News, MNRF communications officer Joshua Henry explained that “the situation is being managed by adjusting fish culture practices in the area of concern in order to reduce the amount of time that other staff spend in that area. This is consistent with Health Canada’s guidelines.”
Test for Elevated Radon Gas Levels Immediately
This just goes to show that radon can, in fact be a problem anywhere. If you have not already tested your residence or business for the presence of high radon gas levels, you should do so immediately. Every day that you spend inside a structure with elevated radon gas levels, means a higher risk that you’ll contract lung cancer. The sooner you take action — by testing and then installing a mitigation system if necessary — the sooner you and your family can return to healthy living.
While it’s true that mitigation can be costly for large businesses, that’s not the case when it comes to a residential home. DIY radon testing kits can be purchased at any local hardware store or online for relatively cheap. In addition, radon professionals can be hired to carry out the testing, as well as install a mitigation system if elevated levels are indeed discovered.
Via: CBC News
