Seven in 10 living in homes with high radon levels are ignoring dangerous radioactivity, survey shows
A Health Canada study that included a Cross-Canada Survey of Radon Concentration in Homes, tested 14,000 homes nationwide in 2009-11. It found that while radon levels vary significantly across the country, no areas are “radon-free” and 6.9 per cent of Canadians are living in homes with radon levels above the current Health Canada guideline of 200 Becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3).
Top 3 customer complaints and how to fix them
How do your customers know that the air inside their home is unhealthy? Unlike dirt and dust that they can see, then vacuum or wipe away, it is harder to gauge how “clean” their indoor air is. Experienced contractors hear the complaints regularly and recognize the simple signs that there is a problem. Sharing that information with clients will help them understand the importance of fixing it as soon as possible.
Smart tips from Natural Resources Canada
Whether your customer is someone who enjoys all the efficiencies of a newly built home, or the character and charm of an older home, it’s important for them to understand all the ins and outs of how their place is ventilated. With improvements in building codes and construction practices, new houses tend to be more airtight while older ones require renovations and upgrading to eliminate leakage and drafts.
Maybe it’s time to get tested
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), a professional organization of medical specialists with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic and immunologic diseases, recognizes that millions of people suffer year-round from allergy symptoms caused by indoor allergens, noting that culprits include dust mite droppings, animal dander, cockroach droppings, and molds.
Tips from the Canadian Lung Association
The Canadian Lung Association (lung.ca) recommends that everyone should make healthy indoor air a goal. Canadians spend 90 percent of their time indoors and when the indoor air quality is poor, it can have an impact on everyone’s health and greatly affect people suffering from asthma, allergies, or lung disease.
