The human behavioural, built environmental and socio-demographic variables of residential alpha particle radiation doses to the lungs

Dr. Dustin Pearson | University of CalgaryEnoch ABC Ballroom

Our goal is to understand alpha particle radiation doses to the lungs from the inhalation of residential radon gas (and its progeny) within the Canadian population, as radon is a leading cause of lung cancer. To do this, we have analyzed multiple the variables that alter exposure, such as the building characteristics (i.e. property size, insulation levels, window glazing, year of construction, etc.) and how radon levels within indoor air dynamically fluctuate in real time (i.e. radon’s indoor air dynamics). As part of this work, the Evict Radon National Study team collected and analyzed hourly real time radon levels in a case study of 50 residential properties located in the Canadian Prairies over one or more years. I will describe radiation exposure outcomes and knowledge derived from >0.6 million continuous hourly radon readings expressed as a function of building, geographic, and seasonal variability. I will also contextualize these case study findings using the ~100,000 nation-wide residential radon readings that form the basis of the upcoming 2024 Cross Canada Radon Report. Using both datasets, I will present a detailed perspective on the how the indoor air dynamics of radon is modified by both residential property characteristics, seasonal weather fluctuations, and human behaviour to define personalized and population radiation doses to the lungs from radon. Finally, I will demonstrate predictive models that describe the building characteristics most often associated with radon doses across the health-impacting range, highlighting the correlative and causative factors underlying Canada’s substantial and worsening radon gas exposure problem.

Tue 1:30 pm - 2:45 pm