Indoor radon regulation in Canada: Civic engagement of concerned scientists

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The World Health Organization recommends 100 Bq/m3 as a reference level for indoor radon. However, Canada’s federal guideline remains at 200 Bq/m3, even though a significant number of lung cancer cases are predicted to occur below this level. The study reviews current radon reference levels in industrialized countries and explores the role that scientist engagement, application of environmental epidemiology and public advocacy play in shaping the regulatory landscape. METHODS: Review of policy documents and public consultations, and peer-reviewed articles. RESULTS:Over the past ten years, new dosimetric modeling studies and occupational cohort evidence have added to the body of evidence with regard to radon’s carcinogenic potential. This new evidence highlights the danger posed by living and working in buildings with even in relatively low levels of radon. In Europe, many countries have established limits that reflect this evidence, although the North American policy landscape has seen little change. Some of the drivers of European policy change include the engaged role of scientists in knowledge translation and the centralized nature of the European Union’s regulatory framework. CONCLUSIONS:New scientific evidence continues to affirm the dangers of radon gas exposure at low levels and North American governments should reassess their current regulatory landscape in response. More engaged knowledge translation by scientists may help bridge the gap between evidence and policy in North America. KEYWORDS: Radon, Canada, Civic engagement,