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Radon Gas: It is in our homes and workplaces and it is killing us!

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By Catherine E. Willson, B.A., LL.B. Catherine E. Willson is counsel in the law firm, Goldman Sloan Nash & Haber LLP, ( willson@gsnh.com ) a full service law firm in Toronto, Ontario ( www.gsnh.com ). Radon gas is responsible for 16% of lung cancer deaths in Canada yearly.   It kills more people than carbon monoxide.   It is a naturally occurring radioactive substance that, when trapped in a home or building envelope, accumulates to levels harmful to humans.   As the gas breaks down, its particulates lodge in our lungs and disrupt our cells leading to cancers that may not be apparent for years to come.   It is the new asbestos, except it is airborne and invisible to our senses. Contrary to some long-held beliefs in Ontario, Radon hotspots are not contained to a few unfortunate townships.   Radon hotspots exist throughout the GTA and can vary significantly from building to building.   All buildings should be tested for radon gas and if...
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The Next Generation of Mixed-Use Developments Will Include Industrial Space. **Rational** (Part 1 of 3)

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Urban developments for a long time has integrated retail, office and residential, but, are we poised to see a fourth or fifth use to be integrated? The reason,  Cost,  the cost of construction, the cost of transportation, the cost of operations, and the cost of energy. If we can integrate theses additional uses we can reduce the construction and operational costs and make these project more profitable and attractive to tenants. In this 3 part series I will break down the rational (Part 1), the new archetype form (Part 2), and the ongoing operation cost savings for this new typology of a building (Part 3). The design of a mixed-use development is one of the most challenging tasks, I would liken it to the typical a courthouse where you have the public, judges and prisoners all needing separate requirements, circulation among other challenges. In a 4 or 5 type mixed-use development you will need to consider the different space requirements, energy loads, quality of space, ...
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