Conference Agenda

Nunavik represents the northern third of the province of Quebec in Canada. The region has a total population of 14,000, living in 14 remote and isolated Inuit communities. Nunavik has no road or grid connection with the rest of Quebec. Electricity is provided by off-grid diesel power plants and space heating in buildings is supplied through oil-based furnaces. Nunavik is also under an extremely cold climate, with heating degree days reaching up to 9,800°C-day. Building envelopes often degrade over time due to water infiltrations and permafrost movements. The combination of these factors means that buildings in the region are subject to severe conditions that create unique indoor environment quality (IEQ) challenges, which are common throughout the North American Arctic. This paper focuses on IEQ in Inuit housing in Nunavik using a multi-method approach that combines measured IEQ data, thermal imaging and interviews with occupants. IEQ (temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration) and occupant behavior (hot water and electricity use, window openings) data were collected over a 2-year period in 12 dwellings located in the community of Quaqtaq in Nunavik. More than 8000 IR photographs were taken in 20 homes in the community. In addition to these quantitative datasets, interviews about home energy use and comfort were conducted with 17 households. The paper first describes the IEQ conditions in typical Nunavik dwellings and identifies the most important IEQ problems. Common Inuit preferences and strategies for dealing with these issues are then explained. The paper then concludes with some suggestions for improving IEQ in Inuit housing in Nunavik.

Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) is a critical issue found in Indigenous housing, particularly in remote and northern Canada, where harsh conditions exacerbate existing challenges. The rate of inadequate housing in 2021 in on-reserve First Nations communities significantly surpassed that of the general population, with crowded homes affecting 21.4% of Indigenous households, compared to 9.7% in the broader Canadian population. Poor indoor air quality (IAQ), frequently caused by excessive moisture, mould growth, and inadequate ventilation, has been linked to increased incidence of respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and upper respiratory infections, disproportionately affecting Indigenous populations. The multifaceted nature of these housing deficiencies, rooted in historical inequities and systemic underfunding, has led to a housing stock characterized by overcrowding, poor construction practices, and insufficient maintenance. This study analyzes IAQ monitor and visual inspection data from one First Nations community in Saskatchewan, to assess the impact of these conditions on the indoor environment. By analyzing quantitative IAQ metrics alongside observational data, this research seeks to provide a comprehensive assessment of the indoor environmental challenges these communities face, aiming to inform future interventions for improving living conditions.

Radon mitigation, addressing the risks of a radioactive gas known to be the second leading cause of lung cancer, is a critical public health issue in many countries. Training and certifying radon mitigation experts varies widely from country to country, impacting the effectiveness of interventions and population protection. This paper offers a comparative analysis of training methods, certifications, and regulatory requirements for radon mitigation professionals across various regions worldwide, including North America and Europe.

This article aims to explore the diversity of practices in radon mitigation certification and expertise across various countries. It addresses several key questions :

- Scope of radon mitigation expert responsibilities: What are the duties of professionals depending on the region? This includes measurement tasks, building diagnostics, work recommendations, and the installation of mitigation systems.

- Training and course modules : Identification of the most frequent course modules and optimal training durations by comparing the most suitable programs across countries.

- Certification requirements: A comparison of certification standards, including exam conditions, required practical experience, and ongoing training.

- National regulatory frameworks: An analysis of legal structures governing radon management in different countries, highlighting the role of governments and professional organizations in setting standards.

- Practical approaches in training : Exploration of favored educational practices in training, such as field expertise, feasibility testing of mitigation solutions, and self-evaluation practices.

- Certification effectiveness indicators: Identification of success markers for certification programs, such as the number of trained professionals or buildings assessed.

The study aims to identify best practices and gaps in current programs, highlighting critical elements for program effectiveness. Specific examples of qualifications and regulatory frameworks illustrate the differences and similarities in each country’s approach. Based on this comparison, the paper proposes recommendations for a standardized training model that enhances radon professionals’ competencies, thereby ensuring improved indoor air quality and reduced health risks.