Radon in granite counter tops?

On occasion, I have been asked about the possibility of radon being emitted from granite counter tops. Up until recently, I wasn't sure myself. It made sense, but I wanted to know more. So I took a Radon measurement and testing course and learned many interesting things about where it comes from, what it is and the hazard it presents to us. The following is taken from Health Canada's site regarding the question regarding radon in granite counters.

Q. What about radon and radioactivity in granite counter tops?

Radon is produced from the natural decay of uranium found in rock. Granite used to produce commercial products, such as counter tops, can contain varying amounts of uranium. Some granites could contain more natural uranium than others, and thus possibly show higher than expected radiation or radon levels, however, in the vast majority of cases, these levels are not expected to be significant. Health Canada completed a study in February 2010 of 33 types of granite commonly purchased in Canada and none were found to have significant levels of radon.

At this time, Health Canada expects that the main source of radon in a house will be soil gas (containing radon formed by the decay of uranium found in rock under the house) which is drawn inside naturally by differences in pressure between the indoor environment and the outside. Our recommendation is that you reduce your radon risk by first testing the air in your house to determine the radon level.

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Thanks for reading this article,
Darren
http://www.nookncranny.ca/

EMF's - Electro Magnetic Fields

EMF's, or Electro Magnetic Fields are all around us, but where you live and what equipment is nearby, can influence how much EMF is or could become, an issue. Can the electric and magnetic fields (EMF) to which people are routinely exposed cause health effects? What are sources of EMFs, and when are EMFs dangerous?


EMF (or ElectroMagnetic Field) is a broad term which includes electric fields generated by charged particles in motion, and radiated fields such as TV, radio, hair dryer, and microwaves. Electric fields are measured in units of volts per meter or V/m. Magnetic fields are measured in milli-Gauss or mG. The field is always strongest near the source and diminishes as you move away from the source. These energies have the ability to influence particles at great distances. For example, the radiation from a radio tower influences the atoms within a distant radio antenna, allowing it to pick up the signal. Despite the many wonderful conveniences of electrical technology, the effects of EMF on biological tissue remains the most controversial aspect of the EMF issue, with virtually all scientists agreeing that more research is necessary to determine safe or dangerous levels.


To read more of this article, please click the following link that will take you to a page in my website. CLICK TO READ MORE


Thanks for reading..
Darren 

Snow is here! Are you ready?

Ah yes, the white stuff is here or has been in some areas for a while. Are you ready? Below is a checklist of things to get or do so you're not left 'in the cold' so to speak. In some respect, it's being prepared for the worst situations. Extreme weather can shut down utilities, stores, banks and so on. Having some spares such as food, water, gasoline, money (cash), and means of heating and cooking are recommended.
*De-icing salt for the walks and steps. Remember: You are legally responsible if somebody slips or falls on your property, like the mail or newspaper carriers.
*Have at least one snow shovel and consider buying a steel shovel for ice and packed snow.
*If you have put off installing snow/ice tires on your vehicles: Get them on now. They are proven to stop you in shorter distances and provide traction to get through snow.
*PLEASE SLOW DOWN! You gain only seconds by driving quickly, but could possibly waste a lifetime (yours or someone else's) by being in an accident!
*Have some emergency supplies in your car, such as a collapsible shovel, blankets, spare gloves, mitts and hats, bottled water, chocolate or cereal bars.
*Buy one of those emergency kits for the vehicles.
*If power outages are common in your area, consider getting a gas generator. Make sure to keep a full gas can in the shed. They are easy to operate and could keep you warm by providing electricity for heaters and to heat food and water for days!
*Most home phones will only work with household power, so if you don't have one- buy a basic cellphone. These can also be bought used for a few bucks!
*Remember your pets, they suffer in the cold as well.
*Have ready to eat foods and bottled water on hand, including powdered milk.
*Have your furnace serviced if its been over 3 years since the last time.

These are just a few suggestions to help guide you in the right direction but I'm sure you get the idea.

Stay safe and warm!

Darren

Energy efficiency for homes

Saving energy should be a goal for all home owners, businesses and governments. Not only to save money, but to reduce the ongoing damage to our planet in some way. This doesn't always mean an expensive retrofit of the home, or replacement of major equipment and appliances. Although newer energy star rated items, such as furnaces, AC's, refrigeration and cooking equipment are far more energy efficient today, than most over 10 years and worth considering for replacement in the near future.

One very useful publication I really like is "Keeping the heat in", provided by the Office of Energy Efficiency- Natural Resources Canada.  Below is a link to their website, where you can read the book.

Link to book online.

Radon. Why aren't we more concerned about it?

For many years, we have been conscious of the very real and unhealthy effects of Radon. (The 2nd leading cause of lung cancer behind cigarette smoking) Through professional inspection, testing, building practices, public awareness programs and the support of the many real estate associations, steps could be taken to educate the public and mitigate the issue for the health and safety of millions of home owners in Canada. For some reason, this very real health concern doesn't seem to be much concern or mentioned very much. Does it mean Canada doesn't have Radon? Nope, that's not it, as we do. According to many publications, it would appear that Canada has radon, and depending where you test, readings could be higher than that from only down the road.

So why don't we hear very much about it? What can be done about it? Well, apparently there is already a being being tabled in front of the government to possibly make pre-listing inspection and testing a requirement of selling a home, with the results and any repairs made available to prospective buyers. As of right now, home buyers can request a test of a home being sold is carried out, or present home sellers could be proactive and have the home tested and provide the test results to future buyers.

For more information and solutions from CMHC and Health Canada, Please click the following links.
CMHC on Radon.
Health Canada on Radon.