Invisible, odorless and yet fearsome, radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas resulting from the decay of uranium in the soil. It insidiously seeps into buildings through cracks or openings in the foundations. This silent danger significantly increases the risk of lung cancer, especially among non-smokers. However, it is possible to act.
Why is radon in schools a critical issue?
Our children spend a large part of their days at school, in environments that should foster their learning and well-being. But what happens when these places become an invisible threat to their health? Children, more vulnerable than adults, inhale more air relative to their body weight and see their cells divide more quickly, making them particularly sensitive to the effects of radon.
Testing for and mitigating high radon levels in schools is not an option. It is a necessity to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all.
Progress in Quebec: a model to follow
In Quebec, pioneering initiatives have laid the foundation for proactive radon management in schools. In 2007, a pilot project was launched in the Granit and Haut-Saint-François MRCs to measure radon concentrations in elementary schools. The results made it possible to identify the structural factors influencing these levels.
In 2011, the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) reinforced the urgency of this problem through a comprehensive study. This study recommended not only measuring radon in schools, but also taking corrective measures when levels exceed safety thresholds.
Health Canada: A guide to action
Health Canada's recommendations are clear: action must be taken when the annual average radon concentration exceeds 200 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m³). For a reliable assessment, it is essential to measure radon for at least three months, ideally in winter, when buildings are well sealed and the gas can accumulate.
These guidelines provide schools with a roadmap to effectively protect their occupants.
Tools to raise awareness and take action
Schools are not alone in this fight. Resources like the “Take Charge of Radon” program provide awareness tools specifically designed for schools and parents. These toolkits help to better understand the risks and mobilize the community around concrete solutions.
A call to action: let's mobilize for our children's future
Radon testing in schools should not be seen as a burden, but as an investment in the health and future of our children. School administrations, parents and communities must work together to systematically test for radon levels and implement necessary solutions.
Every school tested, every parent made aware, every corrective action taken is one step closer to a future where radon will no longer be a threat.
Let us not remain passive in the face of this invisible danger. Let us act today to protect what is most precious to us: the health and well-being of our children.