Research Project Summary

Year Funded: 2022 Budget: Funding Agency: IRSST
Title: Radon in the Workplace: Assessment of Exposure and Estimation of the Radiation Dose
Category: Occupational Disease, Injury and Health Services
Subcategory: Occupational Injury
Keywords: Radon, occupational lung cancer
Link to research website: https://www.irsst.qc.ca/en/ohs-research/research-projects

Issue:

Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive gas that is likely to be found in all buildings, including workplaces. Under certain conditions, this gas can accumulate in buildings in concentrations that represent a concern for health. Inhalation is the main route of exposure to radon, which, over the long term, increases the risk of developing lung cancer. In fact, radon is one of the 10 agents responsible for the largest number of occupational lung cancers in Canada.

Objectives:

This research project aims to measure radon concentrations in different workplaces and to assess the effective radiation dose to which workers are exposed. The effective radiation dose refers to the impact of radiation on biological tissue, such as lungs.

Anticipated Results:

The research team also plans to determine, on an exploratory basis, whether certain factors are particularly likely to affect radon concentrations, with the goal of proposing mnagement approaches toa mitigate exposure to this contaminant, if applicable.

Investigators:

Sabrina Gravel, France Labrèche, IRSST; Patrick Poulin, INSPQ; Tony Wong, IRSST