Publications by authors named "Jean-Claude Dessau"
Objectives: To invite and support managers of child care centres to measure radon concentrations in their buildings. Their ability to carry out a measurement protocol and communication plan was also evaluated as well as the intention of parents and educators to test for radon at home.
Participants: Managers, parents and educators of child care centres.
This paper presents a relevant approach to predict the indoor radon potential based on the combination of the radiogeochemical data and the indoor radon measurements in the Quebec province territory (Canada). The Quebec ministry of health asked for such a map to identify the radon-prone areas to manage the risk for the population related to indoor radon exposure. Three radiogeochemical criteria including (1) equivalent uranium (eU) concentration from airborne surface gamma-ray surveys, (2) uranium concentration measurements in sediments, (3) bedrock and surficial geology were combined with 3082 basement radon concentration measurements to identify the radon-prone areas.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe aim of this paper is to present the first step of a new approach to make a map of radonprone areas showing different potential radon emission levels in the Quebec province. This map is a tool intended to assist the Quebec government in identifying populations with a higher risk of indoor radon gas exposure. This map of radon-prone areas used available radiogeochemical information for the province of Quebec: (1) Equivalent uranium (eU) concentration from airborne surface gamma-ray surveys; (2) uranium concentration measurements in sediments; and (3) bedrock and surficial geology.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe purpose of this study was to measure radon concentration in public primary schools located in priority investigation areas, with the aim of decreasing occupants' exposure to radon in public buildings where concentrations exceed the Canadian Federal guidelines (i.e. 200 Bq m(-3)).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- The study evaluated the health risks associated with radon exposure in Quebec homes and its influence on lung cancer mortality, finding that about 10% of lung cancer deaths annually are linked to radon.
- Using a Monte-Carlo model, the research assessed the effectiveness of screening programs, concluding that a province-wide program would only prevent about 0.8 lung cancer deaths per year, translating to a minimal reduction in radon-related mortality.
- Targeted screening in high-radon areas and systematic investigations in schools could significantly increase mortality reduction from radon to approximately 14% and 16.4%, respectively, highlighting radon screening as a promising preventive strategy alongside tobacco control.
Background: Among the factors influencing travelers to seek preventive health advice before departure, the travel agent's recommendation plays an important role. The objective of our study was to document the practices and needs of travel agents in Québec (Canada) in relation to the prevention of health problems among travelers.
Methods: In June 2000, a cross-sectional descriptive survey was carried out among travel agents from all travel agencies in Québec.