Radon gas not a barrier to development - EPA

Radon gas can be found all over Ghana and even where its concentration is high, it should not become a barrier to the development if appropriate measures are taken to ensure prevention of entry, an official of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said.

Mr. John Pwamang, Director of the Chemicals Control and Management Centre of EPA in an interview said that Radon gas is prevalent across Ghana and that its presence anywhere should not discourage development since the gas can be managed.

“Radon presence in Ghana is not limited to Dunkonah. Radon gas has been found all over the country, and it is the highest concentration of the gas that poses a threat to health; but there are engineering solutions to deal with such situations,” he said.

Radon gas became topical a week ago after a newspaper report raised an alarm about emissions found in a part of the capital known as Dunkonah, near Weija.

Over time, Ghanaian scientists have located radon gas all over the country. The chemical is said to be formed out of the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water, and escapes into the air. It can migrate into any type of building -- such as homes, offices and schools and result in high indoor radon levels.

Mr. Pwamang said new homes, offices, and schools can be built with radon-resistant features using simple technology to prevent entry, adding that when these are installed they can help reduce radon levels.

He said, for example, installing geo-synthetic liners (specially made impermeable plastic sheets) at the time of construction makes it easier and less expensive to reduce radon levels. Mr Pwamang said these impermeable liners, installed appropriately on the floor during construction, prevent radon from entering into the premises. Also, ensuring good ventilation for any premises could help limit radon levels.

Mr. Pwamang nonetheless appealed to developers to seek expert advice and be prepared to spend a little more to ensure that the appropriate engineering solutions are undertaken to forestall any future hazards.

The EPA’s position is corroborated by scientists at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, where Mr. Osborne Oppong, a senior scientist, said radon will not pose much health threat if mitigation measures such as improved ventilation are in place as the gas easily dilutes into the atmosphere.

“The gas can be found everywhere, but improved ventilation is important in controlling the levels of radon; otherwise it can be trapped in unventilated room enclosures and cause problems,” said Mr. Oppong, who has been involved in extensive studies on the presence of radon in the country.

He said it is also important to ensure that the foundations of buildings in areas with radon are always reinforced to ensure that they do not develop cracks and let in the gas.