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Strengthening radon surveillance in British Columbia: Insights from a qualitative evaluation of the British Columbia
Bridget Irwin1,2, Jiayun Angela Yao2,3, David McVea2,3
1Canadian Field Epidemiology Program, Centre for Emergency Preparedness, Regulatory, Operations and Emergency Management Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON.
Background:
Radon is a carcinogenic gas that is the leading environmental cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. While its health risks are well-known, exposure to radon is variable and hard to determine, impeding risk assessment and mitigation. The British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) operates the British Columbia Radon Data Repository (BCRDR) to aggregate radon test results in support of research and public health action. This study evaluates the BCRDR, focusing on its usefulness and acceptability to those who contribute to and use the repository.
Methods:
Between November 2024 and July 2025, five contributors of radon data to the BCRDR and six users of radon data from the BCRDR were interviewed. In addition, six data holders, five data users, and 74 members of the public completed web surveys. Interviews and surveys were analyzed qualitatively using inductive thematic content analysis to generate themes.
Results:
Overall, users and contributors find the BCRDR useful and acceptable. Contributing data holders described the data submission process as quick and easy, and felt that the BCCDC addressed concerns. The repository supported a wide range of uses by a variety of stakeholders, most of whom found the data valuable. Respondents provided recommendations to further strengthen the repository.
Conclusion:
The findings affirm the BCRDR's value for both those contributing data and those using it. Responses can inform enhancements to the existing provincial repository and guide the development of future radon surveillance systems as well.
