Building Code Requirements for Radon Gas Control
Houses in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville (LLG) in Eastern Ontario have some of the highest concentrations of radon gas in Canada. Radon Gas is a known carcinogen and responsible for 13.6% of lung cancer diagnosis in Canada. A Health Unit survey determined that 19.4% of houses in LLG have radon gas levels above Canada Health guidelines.
The Radon Gas comes from the regions unique geography including the frontenac arch protrusion of metamorphic rock. Anyone who has driven through the region on the 401 has noticed the beautiful pink quartz along the highway cuts. Unfortunately this type of rock is know to trap radioactice gas. Radon is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that is formed naturally by the radioactive breakdown of uranium contained in soil and rock.
When radon gas escapes the rock it can accumulate in high concentrations in basements and low lying areas.
The solution to combat radon gas is relatively simple and the Ontario Building Code already has provisions for soil gas mitigation. The City of Brockville recently passed a by-law that require all new buildings after February 21, 2022 to include soil gas mitigation measures.
Part 9 of the Ontario Building contains prescriptive compliance paths for soil gas mitigation. Soil gas mitigation can be found in Division B, 9.13.4.1 and Supplementary Standard SB-9.
Solutions for radon gas control include venting or providing a soil gas barrier. If you require specific details and solutions to a radon gas problem, contact our office to assist you in finding the right solution.
Reference:
Health Canada Guide to Radon Reduction
