distribution of report

BCE File #: 19-620 Gemtec

140 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON Long-Term Radon Sampling Report

Long-Term Radon Sampling Report

DISTRIBUTION OF REPORT: Drew Paulusse Mike Buller

James Crichton

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Gemtec Buller Crichton Environmental Inc. Buller Crichton Environmental Inc.

PROJECT INFORMATION:

DATE OF INSPECTIONS: October 17, 2019 (Set-up of Long-Term Alpha Track Detector) January 21, 2020 (Removal of Long-Term Alpha Track Detector) DATE OF REPORT: February 12, 2020

BCE REPRESENTATIVE(S): Erin Schonbacher & Rhian Fox

REPORT #: 1 of 1 BCE FILE #: 19-620 Client WO # N/A

SITE: Official Residence of the British High Commission- 140 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario SITE SPECIFIC INFORMATION: Throughout Main Floor of Site

PROJECT DETAIL: Long-Term Radon Sampling – Alpha Track Detector CLIENT: Gemtec

INTRODUCTION & SCOPE OF WORK The scope of work was determined following e-mail conversations with Gemtec (Client) and their representatives. BCE was instructed to complete long-term Radon sampling for a period of three (3) months to determine indoor air concentrations of Radon gas. Since seasonal variations can result in the highest levels of Radon gas during the fall and winter months when air circulation and ventilation is decreased, sampling was completed during fall/winter months in order to ensure “worst-case” conditions.

APPLICABLE STANDARDS, GUIDELINES & REGULATIONS: Health Canada Guide for Radon Measurements in Residential Dwellings (Homes):

• This document is intended for persons and organizations carrying out radon testing in residential homes. The purpose of the testing is to evaluate radon levels in order to determine the need for remedial action to protect the occupants. The scope of this document is limited to guidance regarding types of measurement devices, device placement, measurement duration, and the interpretation of measurements. There is also brief mention of some preventive measures now available for new home construction.

mailto:[email protected]





BACKGROUND Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It is invisible, odourless and tasteless. When radon is released from the ground into the outdoor air, it is diluted and is not a concern. However, in enclosed spaces, like homes, it can accumulate to high levels and become a risk to the health of occupants. How radon gets into your home The air pressure inside your home is usually lower than in the soil surrounding the foundation. This difference in pressure draws air and other gases, including radon, from the soil into your home. Radon can enter a home any place it finds an opening where the house contacts the ground: cracks in foundation floor and walls, construction joints, gaps around service pipes, support posts, window casements, floor drains, sumps or cavities inside walls. Radon levels in Canada Uranium is a common element found everywhere in the earth’s crust, as a result radon gas can be found in almost all homes in Canada. Concentrations differ greatly across the country, but are usually higher in areas where there is a higher amount of uranium in underlying rock and soil. Radon concentration levels will vary from one house to another, even if they are similar designs and next door to each other. The only way to be sure of the radon level in your home is to test. The Health Canada guideline for Radon gas is 200 Bq/m3

SAMPLING RESULTS – OCTOBER 17, 2019 – JANUARY 21, 2020 : Long term Alpha Track Detectors were installed by Erin Schonbacher of BCE on October 17, 2019 and left in place until January 21, 2020 (a period of 96 days). The Site did not have a floor below ground level so detectors were placed on the main floor. The detectors use a small piece of special plastic or film inside a container with a small defined opening. Air diffuses through a filter covering a hole in the container. When alpha particles from radon and its decay products strike the detector, they cause damage tracks; the number of tracks is proportional to the radon concentration. At the end of the test period, the container was returned to a laboratory for reading. The radon exposure duration of an alpha track detector is recommended by Health Canada to last for at least 3 months, preferably during winter months.

Alpha Track Detectors were submitted to RSSI in Morton Grove, Illinois for analysis. RSSI is a fully accredited facility for Radon analysis, and its AT-101 Alpha Track Detectors are recognized by the Canadian – National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP). A summary of the long-term Alpha Track findings are provided below:



Results of Long-Term Alpha Track Radon Sampling –140 Sussex, Ottawa, ON Detector ID Location Start Date End Date Result (Bq/m3)

381410 Main Floor- Laundry Room Oct. 17, 2019 Jan. 21, 2020 122 ± 4%

381411 Main Floor- Northeast Bedroom Oct. 17, 2019 Jan. 21, 2020 33 ± 8%

381412 Main Floor- Front Room Entrance Way Oct. 17, 2019 Jan. 21, 2020 52 ± 7%

381413 Main Floor- Office (Duplicate) Oct. 17, 2019 Jan. 21, 2020 56 ± 6%

381414 Main Floor- Centre Room (Adjacent to Front Entrance)

Oct. 17, 2019 Jan. 21, 2020 33 ± 8%

381415 Main Floor- Office Oct. 17, 2019 Jan. 21, 2020 56 ± 6%

Based on the analytical results obtained, no concerns were identified with respect to Radon gas concentrations when compared to the Health Canada guideline of 200 Bq/m3.

REPORT LIMITATIONS: BCE’s report was prepared for the consideration of the client only. Its contents may not be used or disclosed to any party without written consent from BCE. Work completed by BCE was conducted in accordance with generally accepted engineering and scientific practices current in this geographical area at the time of the work. No warranty is expressed or implied or intended by this agreement or by furnishing oral or written reports or findings.

CLOSURE: If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned. Best regards, BULLER CRICHTON ENVIRONMENTAL INC. Prepared by:

Rhian Fox, BSc. Derek Stashick, B.Ed, WRT, CMI, C-NRPP Environmental Health and Safety Technician Project Manager



Appendix 1 – Analytical Data

6312 West Oakton Street

Morton Grove, IL 60053-2723

847-965-1999

Fax 847-965-1991

CANADA

102-1 RAYMOND STREET

January 31, 2020

MIKE BULLER

OTTAWA, ON K1R 1A2

Alpha Track Radon Test Results

BULLER CRICHTON

If the result is close to 200 Bq/m³ and the test period is less than 90 days, you may wish to retest for a longer period before making a decision about radon reduction actions. Additional information is printed on the back side of this report.

This report lists the average radon concentration in which your radon detector was exposed for the period between the reported start and end dates. The result is rounded to the nearest becquerel per cubic metre of air (Bq/m³), the unit in which the radon concentration is expressed. If testing instructions were not followed, the result may not be accurate.

Detector Start Date End DateTest AddressTest Location Note*Bq/m³

381410 10/17/2019 1/21/2020140 SUSSEX DRIVE

OTTAWA, ON K1N 5A2

1st Floor or Grade LevelLAUNDRY

122 NA± 4%

Elektra Musich Analysis Date

01/29/ 2020

Analyzed By:

*See final page for details and notes if applicable

***END REPORT***

Radon Analyst

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Analytical results showing the radon concentration relate only to the device(s) tested in the condition as received by RSSI. Results were calculated based on information provided by the client.

Report shall not be reproduced except in its entirety without the approval of RSSI.

WHAT YOUR TEST RESULTS MEAN

The average indoor radon concentration in homes is estimated by the US EPA to be between 1 and 2 pCi/L. The average outdoor radon concentration is about 0.4 pCi/L. The radon level in most homes that exceed the US EPA’s action level of 4.0 pCi/L can be reduced to below 2 pCi/L.

Radon levels fluctuate daily, seasonally, and with varying weather conditions. If your test period was for less than 90 days, you may wish to test again for a full year to get a better sense of your average annual concentration. If your living patterns change and you begin occupying a level of your home lower than the level on which you have tested, you should retest your home on that lower level.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO

The US EPA states that any level of radon exposure has an associated health risk. Lowering the radon concentration in your home can reduce that risk. A variety of methods can be used to reduce radon in a home ranging from sub-slab depressurization systems to the sealing of cracks and openings in floors. A local radon contractor may also have other methods that will work in your home. The right system depends on the design of your home and other factors.

If you have general questions regarding radon in your homes, please contact your state radon office with the information listed below or visit the US EPA website at https://www.epa.gov/radon.

If you have any specific questions regarding your alpha-track radon test results, please contact RSSI via email at [email protected] or via telephone at 847-965-1999.

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Buyers and renters frequently ask about radon concentration before they buy or rent a home. Some states require disclosure of your radon measurement results. Real estate transactions may happen quickly and may not allow enough time use a long-term test kit. The best thing to do is to save this report where you will be able to locate it in case a buyer or renter is interested in it. If necessary, take radon reduction steps now and retest so radon will not complicate a real estate transaction.

*NOTES:

1-Broken Seal: When your detector arrived at the laboratory, the top and/or bottom seal was broken. If the detector had lain open during the test period, the reported results may not be accurate.2-Damaged Filter: When your detector arrived at the laboratory, the white filter had been damaged. If the filter was damaged before or during the test period, the reported results may not be accurate.3-Loose Test Material: When your detector arrived at the laboratory, the inner test material had come loose from its mounting. If the test material had detached before or during the test period, the reported results may not be accurate.4-Missing Test Material: When your detector arrived at the laboratory, the detector had been opened and the inner test material was missing. Therefore, we were not able to analyze your detector.5-Missing End Date: Your documentation did not include a test end date. To calculate your average radon concentration, divide the test result listed on this report by the total number of days the detector was deployed.6-Missing Start Date: Your documentation did not include a test start date. To calculate your average radon concentration, divide the test result listed on this report by the total number of days the detector was deployed.7-Less Than 8 Days: Your test period was less than the recommended 8-day test period. Therefore, the test results may not be accurate.8-Past Expiration Date: Your detector arrived at the laboratory after the expiration date listed on the detector. Therefore, the test results may not be accurate.9-Missing Both Dates: Your documentation did not include test start and end dates. To calculate your average radon concentration, divide the test result listed on this report by the total number of days the detector was deployed.

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847-965-1999

Fax 847-965-1991

CANADA


January 31, 2020

MIKE BULLER

OTTAWA, ON K1R 1A2


BULLER CRICHTON




381411 10/17/2019 1/21/2020140 SUSSEX Drive

OTTAWA, ON K1N 5A2

1st Floor or Grade LevelNORTH EAST BEDROOM

33 1± 8%


01/29/ 2020

Analyzed By:


***END REPORT***

Radon Analyst

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