Radon can affect residential and commercial buildings. Increasingly, the focus on indoor health and wellbeing has put a spotlight on radon, and the health risks elevated radon levels can come with. Since long-term exposure to elevated radon levels makes it the #1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, it is crucial to measure radon levels in your home or workplace.

What is Radon?

Radon is a gas that occurs naturally in the environment. It is radioactive and is formed by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. With no color, odor, or taste, radon often goes unnoticed. It is found in varying concentrations across the country due to differences in soil composition.  There is no area of Canada that is “radon-free”.  There are, however, areas of the country where high levels of indoor radon are more likely to be found.

How Does Radon Accumulate?

Radon gas can accumulate in various areas of a home or workplace, particularly in spaces that are in direct contact with the ground, or areas with poor ventilation. Radon is more likely to accumulate in basements and crawl spaces, especially those with dirt floors, since they are in direct contact with the ground. Cracks in floors and walls can provide pathways for radon to travel, eventually finding its way into other areas of the building. In some cases, radon can dissolve into well water. When the well water is used, radon can be released into the air and accumulate indoors.

What Affects the Concentration of Radon?

Factors such as ventilation and differences in air pressures between the inside and the outside of the building can affect the concentration of radon in different areas of a building. In colder climates, when heating indoor spaces, as warm indoor air rises and escapes through upper-level openings such as cracks, gaps, and vents, cold air is drawn in from the lower levels. This can also draw in radon from the ground, increasing its infiltration into the building. As the warm air rises through the building, it carries radon with it, potentially spreading the gas. This means that radon concentrations may vary depending on the floor level and the extent of air movement. This is why it is recommended to test radon levels in multiple locations within the building and to complete the testing during the heating season to get a more accurate assessment of the overall radon exposure.

Test and Measure for Radon

For homes, radon testing kits are readily available and can provide an indication of radon concentrations. If elevated levels are detected contact a radon professional as mitigation measures should be taken to reduce exposure. These may include sealing cracks in floors and walls, improving ventilation, and installing radon mitigation systems.

For larger projects, Premier’s environmental consultants can provide measurement services and identify management strategies. For new construction projects, Premier’s consultants are also trained to inspect readily remediated new construction systems. Reach out to info@premiercorp.ca for more information.

Meet David Wyeth, a University of Guelph student, completing his summer co-op position with us at Premier. In September, he will be entering his 4th year of study in environmental sciences, majoring in ecology. David says “I chose my major mostly because I want to work outside and in the field as much as possible, and working at Premier has shown me that.”

We sat down with David to gather his thoughts on his co-op experience as part of the Premier team.

What has working with your team been like?

“Collaborating with the Premier team has been an enriching and enjoyable co-op experience. The atmosphere is one where colleagues readily share their expertise and support. Whenever I’ve encountered challenges or uncertainties, I’ve found a reliable network of assistance. The array of tasks I’ve been involved in, ranging from surveys and mold inspections to groundwater sampling and soil analysis, has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the different tasks involved with the job. This hands-on approach, coupled with the team’s encouragement, has been an invaluable experience for me.”

What parts of Premier’s mission do you resonate with?

“Premier’s commitment to environmental stewardship strongly resonates with me. The team’s dedication to adhering to rigorous environmental standards reflects values that align with my own. Additionally, the emphasis placed on safety is also very important, prioritizing the well-being of employees and the environment alike. The thorough safety training I had to complete during my co-op shows the significance of these principles.”

What is a project you’re most proud of?

“Reflecting on this co-op term, the project we completed for a global office furniture manufacturer really stands out. Working closely with a colleague, we undertook the responsibility of overseeing and collecting samples from approximately 30 boreholes, yielding a total of about 110 samples. This endeavor presented unique challenges, including navigating a heatwave and faulty equipment. Our equipment malfunctioned on day 1 and was never fully repaired, however, we persisted and successfully completed the project within the established timeframe. It was a roller-coaster, but it fells good to say we got it all done.”

The use of asbestos for commercial and industrial applications became commonplace in the late 1800’s. By the mid 1980’s, the use of friable asbestos containing materials (ACMs) was largely phased out; however, some forms of non-friable ACMs are still used today. 

What is the difference between friable and non-friable ACMs?

Friable ACMs can easily be crushed by hand and release asbestos fibers into the air.  Examples of friable ACMs are various types of thermal insulation, some acoustic insulation and spray applied ceiling finishes. Non-friable ACMs are less likely to release asbestos fibers, unless they are damaged or disturbed in some way, such as during renovation or demolition work. Examples of non-friable ACMs are vinyl floor tiles, fire resistant wall board, cement based composite products and roofing materials. 

Management for ACMs in Good Condition

Existing ACMs that are in good condition can be left in place.  Here are some of the steps that property owner and managers can take to keep occupants safe: 

 Asbestos Management Plan. A management plan should be developed for the building that outlines the location and condition of any ACMs, as well as any steps that will be taken to prevent the release of fibers. 

 Regular Inspections. Regular inspections of ACMs should be carried out to monitor their condition and ensure that they are not deteriorating or becoming damaged. 

 Containment. If ACMs are in good condition and not likely to be disturbed, they should be contained or sealed to prevent the release of fibers, only qualified abatement contractors should be retained to repair, contain or abate ACMs. 

 Warning Signs. Signs can be posted in areas where ACMs are present to alert occupants to their presence and to remind them not to disturb them. 

 Education. Contractors and maintenance personnel should be educated about the dangers of asbestos and instructed on how to avoid disturbing ACMs. 

 Professional Consultation. Property owners should consult with qualified professionals if they have any concerns about the presence of ACMs or if they need advice on how to manage them safely. 

ACM Management for Renovations

If you are planning renovation work on a building that may contain asbestos, it is essential to take precautions to avoid exposing occupants or construction workers to asbestos fibers. Here are some considerations to keep in mind: 

 Asbestos Survey. It is important to conduct an asbestos survey before any renovation work starts to identify the presence of ACMs in the building. A qualified professional should carry out the survey to identify any ACMs that may be present. 

 Asbestos Removal. If ACMs are identified in the work area, you should hire a licensed and qualified abatement contractor to safely remove them before any renovation work begins using correct work procedures.  Do not attempt to remove asbestos-containing materials yourself, as this can release dangerous fibers into the air. 

 Asbestos Containment. If asbestos cannot be removed, it must be contained to prevent the release of fibers. This may involve sealing or encapsulating the ACMs with a special coating. 

 Communication. It is important to communicate the presence of asbestos and any precautions that have been taken with all workers and contractors involved in the renovation project. 

It is not unusual for Premier to work in remote northern areas of Canada. Nevertheless, you never know when an adventure awaits. Getting to a project located in Northern Ontario would normally entail flying into Winnipeg Airport, renting a car and driving two hours across the border into Ontario where I would then board a float plane and fly into the sites. In September of 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 restrictions, flying into Manitoba wasn’t possible; anyone entering the province  was subject to a week’s quarantine. For the job to proceed on time we decided it best to fly into Thunder Bay and drive 6 hours to the site.  

When Everything Starts to Go Wrong

Eager to get a start on the job I left for Thunder Bay on a holiday Monday, which I now know was a mistake. I was left standing bagless and alone at an empty, revolving baggage carousel as the airline informed me not only had they lost my luggage, but they wouldn’t be able to get it to me for three days – after the project was planned to be completed. My bag included a few changes of clothes, tools I needed for the project and clothing for inclement weather. I knew a quick trip to a local store would solve my problem but was instantly reminded that I had chosen to travel on a holiday, and that nothing would be open. I called the float plane operator and was thankfully able to postpone the flight a day while I restocked. So I picked up my rental car and set out but quickly ran into another issue – a flat tire. After the tow truck left I limped the car back to the airport and replaced it, finally setting off. The drive through the winding roads of the Trans-Canada Highway, surrounded by the Canadian Shield and dense woods was amazing. I made a few stops along the way including lakes, exposed rock outcrops, and the border of the Arctic watershed. Having never been to this part of the country it was a treat to explore. 

Settling in to the Landscape

I arrived at my planned stop and settled into my hotel. There wasn’t much to do in town because of the pandemic but in-person dining had just reopened so I was able to go out for dinner at the very least. After a day of stocking up on what I needed and exploring the area I arrived at the dock, boarded the 4 seat float-plane and took off for our destination. We flew to three sites, over 500 km in total, at an altitude of just under 3,000 ft. The landscape was a stunning mosaic of the Lake of the Woods and islands of dense forest, every so often sprinkled with remote cottages only accessible by boat. After the headache of travel the work actually went very smoothly and we were able to get all three sites done at once.  The following day I made the trip back to the Thunder Bay airport, where I collected my missing luggage. What I was given back could barely be called a suitcase as the bag was caught on an airport conveyor belt, torn completely open and was now being held together with packing tape. Wonderful.  

Travelling to out of the way places has always been my favourite part of working at Premier. It has allowed me to see parts of the country and experience things that I would never get to otherwise. These kinds of trips come with their challenges but are always exciting and rewarding.      

Passive soil vapour samplers can be a cost-saving alternative to active vapour sampling – producing much of the same results. On a recent site visit, our environmental scientists had an opportunity to test both methods side-by-side.  

What is Soil Vapour Sampling?  

Soil vapour sampling is typically a secondary screening method used to verify the actual concentration of volatile soil or groundwater contaminants below the ground. It is often used to support a Human Health Risk Assessment work to decide whether vapour mitigation controls are required to be implemented in an existing or planned building.     

Passive Soil Vapour Sampling 

Compared to Premier’s usual active soil vapour sampling approach, the passive vapour samplers contain a sorbent media to passively trap vapours. The sorbent media is then analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).   Active soil vapour sampling involves pulling samples from specialized probes that are installed below the ground.  

If you are not familiar with passive samplers for monitoring volatile organic compound (VOC) vapour concentrations, the waterloo membrane sampler (WMS™), is an example of these.  The WMS™ was invented at the University of Waterloo and developed in partnership with some pretty sharp consultants.   

On-Site Applications 

At the property pictured above, Premier’s Geoscientist, Matt Huson collected VOC samples using both active and passive vapour sampling approaches. The end results were very comparable. 

Passive vapour samplers are easy to deploy and when subsurface conditions permit, existing monitoring wells may be used for the sampling.  This can result in reduced costs as most equipment rentals and subcontractor costs can be avoided and the number of additional floor penetrations can be reduced.  Active soil vapour sampling typically requires pump rentals, helium leak detection within the sampling train using a lung box, and a set-up that can be tricky under the best circumstances 

Of course, as with any type of subsurface assessment, the correct approach to take will depend on the specific situation at the site. However, in this site application the passive sampling approach was definitely worthwhile.  

Office design should be at the forefront of a company’s strategy when it comes to planning a return to work approach. The initial sudden shift, followed by 2 years of working remotely, has shown employees and leaders alike the various pros and cons of remote work. Corporate Design, Sustainability, and Wellness go hand-in-hand with the transition of work life post-pandemic. Those that spend most of their work week at the office are starting to demand more out of their workplaces. As a result, designers and organizations will have to evaluate how their space directly impacts employee well-being and the company’s success as a whole.  

Flexible Corporate Design. Companies that wish to entice their employees back into the workplace will have to make the office an appealing destination. For many, the benefits of working from home were things such as casual wear, easy access to food and snacks, and a comfortable work setting. Corporate design will need to shift its momentum from pre-pandemic times that was geared towards things such as smaller workstations and the mindset of ‘more space, means more people’. Office space will need to be that oasis that those working from home have been missing and that offers some of the same pleasantries as home. As companies focus on adapting their office to accommodate more distancing, they now have an opportunity to be innovative when it comes to their design. Employees will not only be enticed by such things as on-site coffee, or complimentary snacks and meals, but flexible workspaces with many different settings to satisfy all preferences and personalities.  

Sustainable Design Solutions. One of the first big changes we all experienced at the onset of the pandemic was the move to remote work.  With people working from home and no longer having a daily commute there has been a significant reduction in various kinds of pollution – in particular air pollution. It was seen on the news that many major cities from India to Italy had the clearest air that has been seen in many years. Not only were people driving less but air travel was also drastically reduced. Seeing these differences demonstrated that positive change can happen. Sustainable, local and eco-friendly solutions need to take the lead in the design industry.  Companies need to push for locally available building materials such as wood in their projects, or use more recycled content materials such as papercrete, enviroboard, and wood-plastic composite. Designers need to support and promote the use of local Canadian corporate furniture companies such as Teknion, Allseating, and Neinkamper as well as look to refurbished options such as Envirotech. The positive environmental changes that came with the pandemic will hopefully continue to encourage people to be more proactive and aware of the impact of their choices.

Putting Employees’ Needs First. An organizations culture is defined as the shared behaviors, values and norms created by those working within a company. Now more than ever, people understand the importance of a positive workplace culture and how hard connecting remotely can be. It is valuable for a company to know their employees on a deeper level to understand what the best motivators are to avoid burn out and build trust. Burnout has become an emerging concern over the past two years, with the inability of employees to properly detach from work and reports showing higher levels of stress, exhaustion and isolation.  Although working from home has had its benefits, people need the physical human connection that the office offers. Workplace culture has suffered as a product of the isolation brought on by the ongoing pandemic, and its void has had a negative impact on people’s mental health and wellness. Therefore, a company that offers an attractive workplace, with a more flexible work schedule or more events during the business day or after hours will cultivate the much-needed hybrid work environment.  An office space that fosters collaboration and communication are not only beneficial to an individual’s mental health but the health of a company as a whole.

One thing for sure is that employees will need flexibility and work-life balance when it comes to returning to the office. Business owners can show they truly care by putting corporate design at the vanguard and truly understanding how an office’s design directly affects their staff’s wellness, corporate culture and the environment in which they work.

We’re looking back on some memorable stories from the past 20 years. Today, our Project Manager, Gerren, is recounting a time where the team had to complete an unexpected confined space entry.

The Client Request

In 2015, a client inquired if Premier could complete a Designated Substance Survey (DSS) at an operating church. This was no ordinary DSS however— the survey area included a below grade utility tunnel underneath the sanctuary portion of the church which required confined space entry to access.

The Ministry of Labour (MOL) defines a confined space as a fully or partially enclosed space that is not designed and constructed for continuous human occupancy and in which atmospheric hazards may occur because of its construction, location or contents or because of the work that is done in it.

The utility tunnel was accessible by a ladder, was approximately 1 m high, approximately 100 m in linear length, and contained various utilities for the church. Accessing this area required us to hire contractors who specialize in confined space entries to provide the necessary equipment, and roles as rescuer and observer.

The Premier Solution

Having the required confined space training, I was lucky enough to perform the inspection as the entrant! The entry consisted of the contractors setting up a tripod and winch over one of the entries and equipping me with a harness, 4-gas meter and radio.  After being connected to the winch, I was able to enter the tunnel and complete the ‘church crawl’ making observations and taking photos along the way. The atmospheric conditions were monitored continuously by the 4-gas metre I was wearing and monitored above grade by the contractors. Additionally, every 3-minutes they would radio me and I was required to give a verbal response that I was okay.

At the end of the day the DSS was completed successfully in a safe and interesting way! You never know what a typically routine inspection will consist of and Premier is always willing to go above and beyond to get the job done!

In this post, Premier Environmental’s President, Dave Wade, recounts how mentorship in the early years of his career was crucial to building his professional future.

Do you know that January has been designated as Mentoring Month? While this was news to me, the concept of mentoring is not. 

I think back to the early days of my career in the environmental science and engineering field, back to the late 1980’s and recall some of the senior and intermediate professionals who mentored me.  While some are no longer alive, and most are retired, all who mentored me left lasting impressions that in many ways silently guide me through my working day. 

I recall one senior geoscientist who instilled the value of knowing as much about soil and groundwater qualities/properties through the “doing it all approach”.  Before I was allowed to supervise a drill rig in the field, I had to spend a full year and a half working in the soils lab so that I understood what the various types of soil looked like, how to properly classify them, and how to identify their physical properties through tactile and visual senses.   

When I was allowed to collect soil samples from a drill rig, he showed me what those samples looked like insitu and why it was important to differentiate based on my lab training.  There is no doubt that that experience made me a better technical professional over the years that followed, and it also taught me that hard work and attention to detail are the hallmarks of success. 

Whether you are the mentee or the mentor, the benefits are, of course in the technical aspects of work, but can also be found in the relationships that are built. Both individuals are exposed to perspectives different from their own which allows growth and new ways of looking at challenges.  

So if you get the chance to reach out to one of your mentors, thank them for what they have taught you.  If you are lucky enough to be a mentor to another, go for it, you may be surprised at the subtle rewards that follow.