Accra, Nov.11, GNA – Key Stakeholders including scientists, have called for the development of a comprehensive National Radon Gas Policy, to regulate and minimise its potential devastating health impact to humans.
The scientists explained that long-term exposure to elevated levels of Radon, which was a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms from the decay of uranium in soil, rock and water, could increase health risks of lung cancer.
Radon gas could entre buildings by seeping through cracks in floors, walls, foundations and other openings in contact with soil, accumulating especially in enclosed spaces such as basements and ground floors.
However, in Ghana, unlike developed countries, Radom gas testing was voluntary for estate developers prior to their construction works, and unfortunately, most Ghanaians had no knowledge of its potential devastating impact on human health, they said.
A national Radon Gas Policy would provide comprehensive guidance on standards, to inform the building, technology industry, and facility owners, for the effective management and safeguards for humans.
The call was made at a stakeholder forum organised by the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) in partnership with the Commission’s Radiation Protection Institute (RPI) and the National Nuclear Research Institute (NNRI), to create public awareness on the Radon Gas and its implications for public health and the environment.
It was on the theme: “Creating Radon Awareness and the way forward,” and formed part of the outlined activities to commemorate GAEC’s 60th Anniversary celebrations.
Dr Kwaku Aning, the Board Chairman of GAEC, who presided over the event, said Radon posed a significant global health concern, with documented evidence showing that long-term exposure to higher levels, increased risks of lung cancer.
He said “Data by the WHO, shows that Radom gas is responsible for approximately three to 14 per cent of all lung cancers of countries, depending on national radon levels and smoking prevalence.
“It is also the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and exposure increases cancer risks, especially for smokers and those who spend extended time indoor in radon-prone areas,” he said.
He said the Commission’s RPI and NRI had expanded and modernised their environmental laboratories to improve measurement, accuracy and help establish regulatory standards that would mandate the monitoring of industries that contributed to increased radon levels, especially workplaces.
Dr Aning said the initiative would significantly support scientists at GAEC and other academic institutions in conducting research and developing programmes related to radiological health and safety, particularly in Radon.
Additionally, it would aid regulatory authorities such as the Ghana Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Environmental Protection Agency, and Minerals Commission, in making informed decisions and developing regulations.
Prof. Samuel Yao Ganyaglo, the Director of NNRI, GAEC, who welcomed the participants on behalf of Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare, the Director-General, said the forum reflected the Commission’s commitment towards awareness creation on various health issues and stakeholder collaboration in research and policy, to ensure public safety and wellbeing.
The programme would deepen collaboration and inspire knowledge sharing among stakeholders on radon-related issues for a proposed collective action for minimising associated risks, raising awareness for a safer and healthier environment.
Some of the topics discussed included “Radon in homes and at workplaces, and measurement and mitigations of Radom,” looking at the way forward.
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Miss Irene Opoku-Ntim, a Senior Research Scientist at GAEC, said Ghana had no Radon action level, but had been relying on the WHO’s recommended levels, which was not to exceed 100 Becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3), and that of the United States EPA.
However, radon levels varied geographically based on soil composition, seasons, as well as building practices, and although comprehensive data in Ghana was emerging, certain areas may have elevated Radon levels due to soil uranium contents.
She said there was the need for ongoing studies and environmental assessments to determine regional radon levels, adding that GAEC had been actively working on radon concentration which were found to be prominent in coastal and mining areas, and data gathered could help determine earthquakes.
She called for intensified public education and the need for regular and annual testing of radon levels in homes and workplaces for certification.
Prof. Francis Otoo, the Manager, Research and Productivity Improvement and Consultancy Services, GAEC, said the Commission in 2019 acquired Radosys RadoMeter 2000 equipment with a full laboratory solution for measuring deadly radon gas levels.
Nonetheless, there was the need to intensify public education through awareness creation and collaboration with other stakeholders on the effective use of these protective devices, to ensure accurate measurement and data collection.
“The best way to control Radon was to ensure improved room ventilation by allowing the in and out flow of fresh air,” adherence to construction protocols including proper soil testing prior to building, importance of radon monitoring in mines and the use of appropriate protective equipment, he said.
Dr Samuel Teye, a Senior Lecturer, School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, University of Ghana, urged scientists to devise appropriate ways of communicating complex scientific information to the public for better appreciation, acceptance and effective transformation.
He explained how lung cancers were formed, its damaging effect to the sensitive cells of this organ, adding that the fact that Radon was a naturally occurring, colourless, tasteless, and odourless radioactive gas, could create initial public scepticism about its existence compared to other radiation sources.
He called for strengthened stakeholder collaboration and financing for GAEC’s Radon research, to ascertain the pattern of this form of radiation for effective data collection, for enhanced public education.
Dr Teye said various studies done globally had shown an association of non-smoking lung cancer to elevated Radon exposures and double risk for smokers.
Signs and symptoms of lung cancers include coughing with blood stains, chest pain, breathlessness, loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss and advised that such encounters must be reported immediately at the hospital for effective diagnosis and treatment.
The forum brought together policymakers, scientists, public health experts, environmental advocates, and industry stakeholders.
GNA