- Radon testing in Yukon schools
- 2017–18 testing results (Bq/m3)
- Previous radon testing
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Radon testing in Yukon schools
In spring 2018, we tested radon levels in Yukon schools. Testing involved installing equipment:
- for at least 3 months;
- in every single room on the lowest level of a school being used for more than 4 hours a day.
What is radon
Radon is a colourless, odourless, naturally occurring gas in Yukon. Coming from the soil, it can enter buildings through cracks and unsealed openings in
- basements; and
- foundations.
Radon does not pose an immediate danger to health. It’s only a concern if there’s prolonged exposure to high concentrations over many years.
Measurements for radon are measured in becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3). According to Health Canada’s Guide for Radon Measurements in Public Buildings, recommended levels of radon concentration for acceptable indoor air quality are as follows:
- Below 200 Bq/m3 – acceptable
- Between 200 Bq/m3 and 600 Bq/m3 – remediate within 2 years
- Above 600 Bq/m3 – remediate within 1 year
Recent test results
These schools were slightly above Health Canada’s recommended levels for radon:
- Christ the King Elementary;
- Eliza Van Bibber; and
- Holy Family Elementary.
Next steps
We are working with staff and planning remediation work at:
- Christ the King Elementary; and
- Eliza Van Bibber.
We’ll complete remediation work at both schools within the 2-year timeframe recommended by Health Canada. We’ll then re-test both schools to ensure radon levels are below the recommended levels.
Remediation was completed at Holy Family Elementary in January 2018. We’ll re-test radon levels during the 2019–20 heating season.
We’ll continue to ensure radon levels at Yukon schools remain within levels recommended by Health Canada. We’ll re-test schools if:
- there’s work done on a school exterior, foundation or basement;
- seismic activity affects the school building;
- the ground or basement floors are renovated; or
- radon remediation work has been done in a school.
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2017–18 testing results (Bq/m3)
school Highest Lowest Chief Zzeh Gittlit 41 22 Christ the King 248 63 Del Van Gorder 122 56 Émilie-Tremblay 81 26 Elijah Smith 96 33 Eliza Van Bibber 204 78 F.H. Collins 48 22 Gadzoosdaa Residence 52 15 Ghùch Tlâ Community 137 67 Golden Horn 67 22 Grey Mountain 74 52 Hidden Valley 63 26 Holy Family 204 78 Individual Learning Centre 56 26 J.V. Clark 126 56 Jack Hulland 107 30 Johnson Elementary 107 52 Khàtìnas.àxh 122 44 Kluane Lake 92 67 Nelnah Bessie John 74 15 Porter Creek 67 26 Robert Service 74 33 Ross River 152 74 Selkirk 100 37 St. Elias Community 111 59 Takhini 81 30 Tantalus 85 44 Teen Parent Centre 230 230 Vanier 163 26 Watson Lake 74 41 Whitehorse Elementary 96 30 Wood Street Centre 141 41 -
Previous radon testing
In 2016–17 we found that radon levels were above or near Health Canada's recommended levels at:
- Jack Hulland Elementary;
- Nelnah Bessie John;
- Holy Family Elementary; and
- the Teen Parent Centre.
Remediation work has now been completed at these schools. We’ll re-test radon levels during the 2019–20 heating season.
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For questions, email contact.education@yukon.ca or phone 867-667-5141 or toll free in the Yukon 1-800-661-0408, extension 5141.