Title

Investigation of radon concentrations in homes on Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation)

Fiscal Year

2020-2021

Community/Region

Wolastoqey Nation (Madawaska, Tobique, Kingsclear, Saint Mary’s, Oromocto and Woodstock), New Brunswick

Principal Investigator

Dr. Ave Dersch (Moccasin Flower Consulting)

Community Project Lead

Deana Sappier

Project Members

Claire McAuley and Mike Bear Sr

Project Summary

Community members of the Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick were concerned about the potential health risks from exposure to indoor radon gas. This project was a follow up to a previous radon study conducted in 2011, which had used 2 day radon tests (the previous study was not funded by the First Nations Environmental Contaminants Program). The previous study had tested residences and public buildings, and radon remediation systems had since been installed in 23 homes. The purpose of this follow up project was to further measure the radon levels in a sample of homes that had been tested previously with the 2 day test. The project also aimed to determine if remedial actions were effective.

The project team used alpha tract detectors over a 90+ day testing period to test 29 homes that had radon levels higher than 200 Bq/M2 in the previous 2 day tests. The team also measured radon in two newly constructed homes and two of the homes that had been remediated. The participants completed a questionnaire about the characteristics of their homes and its occupants. The Community Coordinator contacted all participating householders to review their results and to identify any required remediation activities.

The results of this study showed radon levels in homes varied considerably. Of the 29 homes tested, only five did not require remedial action. Eight homes had radon levels above 600 Bq/M2, requiring remedial actions within one year and 16 homes required remedial action within two years. Results of the study demonstrated that both remediation measures undertaken in homes since 2011 and the mitigation measures incorporated into new housing construction were effective. The results also indicated the extent of radon in homes and the need for testing of homes in Neqotkuk. Re-testing of other homes is still ongoing.