This is a testimony from one of our happy clients whose LIFE was changed through radon testing and mitigation. We hope this story helps other people.
Testimony sent by 74 year old patient to his family doctor.
Issue: Idiopathic condition.
Given that you may indeed view me as a reliable source, I wish to share what I believe to be some important facts relating to my case, (originally believed by the medical profession to be the result of a hemorrhagic stroke, later determined not to be the case), which occurred April 06, 2023 in which you have been very supportive and extremely patient, acting as my family physician.
There is little doubt in my mind, given your knowledge, dedication to the field of medicine,
and most likely, standing within the medical community, I would not have been fast tracked
through the Alberta Health Care system, by way of emergency attendances, clinical tests,
appointments with Cardiologist, Neuro-opthalmologist, Neurologist, and subsequent
CTscan, and MRI, all in an effort to determine the causes(s) of my complaint, had you not
personally supported and represented my case.
That being said, although a number of the associated symptoms were reduced significantly
by prescribed medication, between April 06 and June 15, some (headache, brain fog,
nausea, poor balance, numbness, shortage of breath) returned, and remained until around
July 26. Having closely examined the provided Alberta Health Services – Event Diary, which
I have been methodically maintaining since my appointment with the Neurologist, Dr.
Yanjun Duan, May 11, 2023 and in an effort to personally identify any trends and/or
triggers, I determined that since the medical authorities have since apparently exhausted
all medical/clinical symptomology, I needed to examine external factors, such as my
exposures in daily activities, foods, liquids, environment etc.
On July 22, 2023 I contacted a Company by the name of Great West Radon, who not only
provided me with a scientific instrument to measure the internal atmosphere conditions of
my home, with respect to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), and
Radon emission, but also, provided a home inspection relating to the aforementioned
VOC’s.
Radon is an odorless, invisible, radioactive gas naturally released from rocks,
soil, and water. Radon can get into homes and buildings through small cracks or holes and
build up in the air. Over time, breathing in high levels of Radon can cause lung cancer.
According to Great West Radon, many of their clients, those exposed to the long-
term effects of high levels of Radon gas exhibited negative health effects such as,
headaches, breathing conditions, confusion, forgetfulness, lack of mental clarity,
and poor balance, until such time as they were removed from the emissions.
Be advised, having done some basic research, it would appear that Radon gas is evident in
most homes. Typically, it presents at low levels, and is not detrimental to health with short term exposures. Health Canada Regulations require; exposure to Radon Gas, should remain
under 200 Becquerels/m3 TWA (Time Weighted Average), any level above the TWA
Exposure Limit, should be investigated and reduced. World Health Organization suggests
action at an even lower threshold of 100 Bq/m3 along with Evict Radon Organization
researchers.
Although Radon measurement in homes is typically carried out over a 90-day period, as
expressed by the professionals (Great West Radon), the measurement of Radon gas in my
home, albeit over a shorter period, presented at 1293bq/M3 TWA within 7 days of turning
on the measuring equipment, spiking as high as 1797bq/M3. This being 17.9 times greater
than the WHO limit. The instrument was also displaying “Poor Air Quality” for the entire
measuring period (14 days).
Of importance here, having been advised by Great West Radon, is the fact that Radon
levels within the home can potentially increase up by to 2 – 4 times during the winter
months compared to the summer or warmer months, due to the fact that windows/doors
etc., remain closed.
Radon Mitigation Mitigation (where warranted), is achieved by the installation of a closed system that produces a negative under-slab pressure, effectively reducing the level of Radon
gas present within the home, that MAY be the cause of adverse health conditions.
Having ascertained the exceptionally high levels of Radon gas within my home during
summer months, and in consultation with Great West Radon, I took what measures I
could to improve the air quality within my home (example: open all windows, turn off the
HRV ventilation system, turn on the furnace fan, install a temporary stand- alone fan). To
my relief, and within 48 hours of doing so, the Radon gas levels dropped to 43bq/M3, the
air quality within my home improved, and most importantly, my health condition changed
dramatically to the better, and remains to this day. A permanent Radon mitigation system
will be installed at my home on September 6, 2023.
Closing Remarks
As you know, I served in the military from 1965 – 1979 much of my time on active service,
in various theaters throughout the world. This recent illness, and the unknown causes(s),
have caused me a great deal of concern resulting in a low self-esteem, more so than at any
time during my service career. Frankly, I was beginning to wonder if the time and effort
that I have taken these past 74 years to keep myself physically and mentally active, was
worth the effort. I can now say, I think it was…
It is my hope that you will find this communication both informative and instructive to the
point that it may reduce the time that you have to commit to any future patient complaining of similar symptoms, and the expense likely caused to our AHC system by all the appointments, consultations, tests etc.
Thank you so much for your support, and for believing in me. You are a credit to your
profession and discipline. We Albertans, are lucky to have such a doctor as you.
