b'very little guidance on how these changes may potentially lead to elevated radon levels. TO MITIGATE RADON, A COMPREHENSIVE Building retrofits with measuresto improve energy efficiency or to address aged building compo- APPROACH IS NECESSARY, INCLUDING nents that result in a more airtight enclosure can inadver- PHYSICAL BARRIERS, SOIL tently put occupants health at risk without due attention to theDEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEMS AND presence of a properly func-tioning radon mitigation system. MECHANICAL VENTILATION METHODS.For existing buildings that are in regions prone to radon risk, it is recommended to complete a pre- and post-retrofit radon test to establish a baseline5. SUMMARY in Canada, such as the BCBC, which and to confirm if the need forRadon poses a significant health risknow includes provisions for radon addressing elevated radon levelsto occupants when it accumulates incontrol in Part 9 Buildings. For Part is required. The tests will helpbuildings. The accumulation of indoor5 buildings, design professionals must to identify the need for mitiga- radon is influenced by factors such asbe aware of radon risk and implement tion measures and ensure thatcompromised soil-gas barriers, naturalmitigation strategies as deemed neces-the upgrades will not negativelyor mechanical forces pulling radon fromsary by their professional judgment. impact building occupants. Forthe ground and insufficient ventilation.Additionally, the importance of consid-a better understanding of radonering radon levels in existing buildings testing guidelines, professionalsTo mitigate radon, a comprehensiveundergoing retrofits to avoid inadver-tently increasing radon concentrations is can reference Health Canadasapproach is necessary, including physicalemphasized. Overall, a multidisciplinary Guide for Radon Measurement barriers, soil depressurization systemseffort to design buildings that prioritize in Public Buildings or consultand mechanical ventilation methods.both energy efficiency and occupant with a C-NRPP accreditedThis article provides a summary ofhealth is the best strategy, as the two are radon specialist. industry standards and building codesnot competing priorities.MARKETPLACETo participate in the BCBEC Elements Marketplace, please contact MediaEdge Publishing at 1-866-201-3096PARTNER WITH US FOR YOUR STATEMENTS IN STEELFAST TRACK TO SUCCESS! David Forsey 20130 - 107th Ave. N.W.David Forsey,CTRARCHITECTURAL REPRESENTATIVE Edmonton ABT5S 1W9ARCHITECTUAL REPRESENTATIVEP. (800) 661-2826 C.(780) 720-6482 (800) 661-2826 F. (800) 661-1852david.forsey@westmansteel.cawestmansteel.com david.forsey@westmansteel.cawestmansteel.comPUBLISHING DIGITAL ADVERTISINGRobert Thompson,LANGLEY, BC | AIRDRIE / EDMONTON, ABSenior Vice PresidentSWIFT CURRENT / REGINA / SASKATOON, SKrobertt@mediaedge.ca BRANDON / WINNIPEG, MB | CAMBRIDGE, ON | DARTMOUTH, NSSPRING/SUMMER 2024 23'