Column: radon gas research teaches a lot about dangers in residential areas

Ours is the century of new technology.

Most of us now have access to things only dreamed of 100 years ago, such as air transportation, better roads, cures for diseases which were once considered fatal.

However, our modern world and its technology have discovered and created new dangers.

I am going to be running a series on radon gas stories as part of my case study of Maple Creek, Sask. Part I - Introduction

Part II - The history

Part III - What is radon?

Part IV - The Building Code Part V - The human concern Part VI - The testing

Part VII - There are solutions Part VIII - Radon opinions of Maple Creek resident

Introduction - Part I

Neil Roy-biography -Certified mould and air quality inspector

-Certified ozone shock technician -Vice-chairman of the board for the Saskatchewan Housing Authority for Maple Creek, Sask.

-Presently doing a case study on radon gas, working towards becoming a certified radon measurement and mitigation technician

-Certified journeyman Cabinet maker

I also have oilfield gas knowledge by working in Alberta, British Columbia, Canadian high arctic, North Africa, Libya, Sahara Desert

I have also taken the Oilfield H2S course every three years for 30 years. The strongest sour gas that I have worked with was 28 percent Less than 1 percent can kill you.

I am combining all this gas experience I have into this radon gas case study.

I have known about radon in Maple Creek for 50 years, so this is not new news.

I realize there are seniors out there that they are saying “what is all of this?” We have always had radon gas and other dangers like mold.

Yes you have.

But the difference now is the type of house and buildings we have now are different than before,

In the 1970s we had the national energy program and building materials and the way things were built all changed.

Before the 70’s there was a lot of old home that had air leaks and this helped out with the air exchange.

When new building materials and building practices came in, house were more air tight and this has caused the problems we have today with mold and radon gas.

Now, we have different solution to make our homes and buildings safer as a result.

Next wee: Part II-The History and Part III-what is radon?