When experts and decision-makers from around the world gathered in Quebec City for the 14th annual radon conference hosted by the Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (CARST), Radonova Laboratories and radon specialist Vanda Jakabová were there to share new findings on radon mitigation.
A Decade of Change – What Has Improved?
In her presentation “Radon Mitigation in Swedish Single-Family Houses: A Decade of Progress,” Vanda shared a study comparing the effectiveness of radon mitigation in Swedish homes over a ten-year period. The research focused on the impact of public initiatives and awareness campaigns aimed at reducing radon levels below Sweden’s reference level of 200 Bq/m³.
“It was an opportunity to reflect on what’s working, what isn’t, and what needs to happen going forward,” said Vanda Jakabová.
One of the more surprising findings was that the effectiveness of radon mitigation efforts hasn’t significantly improved over the past decade.
“That’s something both the general public and professionals in the field need to pay attention to. Why haven’t we seen more progress?” she asked.
Fewer Measurements – And Fewer Mitigations
A concerning trend revealed by the study is that fewer homeowners are measuring radon levels in their homes. One likely reason is the discontinuation of a government grant that, for many years, helped households finance radon remediation and awareness efforts. The grant was in place from 1988 to 2015 and was briefly reinstated from 2018 to 2021. It was widely appreciated, and its absence may have had more serious consequences than expected.
Growing Awareness – But Limited Knowledge on What to Do
On the positive side, general awareness of radon risks has increased significantly – by 81 percent – thanks to targeted public campaigns. However, fewer than half of those aware of the risk know what steps to take if elevated levels are suspected in their home.
“This highlights a clear gap between awareness and action,” Jakabová noted. “To get more people to take the next step, we need to ensure they feel supported and informed, rather than unsure or overwhelmed.”
A Global Gathering Focused on Health and Safety
The Quebec conference is a key event in the global effort to combat radon exposure. CARST is Canada’s leading voice in radon education, standard-setting, and development.
“CARST brings together passionate experts, practitioners, and policymakers from across Canada and beyond. It’s a valuable forum for sharing experiences and working together to reduce radon-related health risks,” said Jakabová.
Radonova’s participation in the conference is part of the company’s long-term commitment to improving global radon awareness – but also something more meaningful.
“Being surrounded by people who share the same passion is always inspiring. This isn’t just about data or policy – it’s about a shared drive to save lives. Alongside my colleagues, I’m proud to contribute,” Jakabová concluded.
