What is Radon?

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer next to smoking. This radioactive gas comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock.

When radon is released from the ground, outside it is not a concern, because it is diluted by the air. However, when radon is enclosed, it can accumulate to high levels and become a health risk.

All homes have some level of radon and these levels will vary from one home to another.

The question is, how much?

You can't see, taste, or smell radon. The only way to know how much radon is in your home is to test.

How does Radon enter my home?

Generally the air pressure inside your home is lower than the pressure in the soil surrounding the foundation. This difference in pressure can draw air and other gases in the soil, including radon, into the house. 

Radon gas can enter your home at any opening where the house contacts the ground: cracks in foundation floor and walls, construction joints, gaps around service pipes, support posts, window casements, floor drains, sumps or cavities inside walls.

Radon gas can also dissolve and accumulate in water from underground sources such as wells.

How does Radon affect my health?

Radon gas breaks down to form radioactive elements that can be inhaled into the lungs.

In the lungs, radon continues to breakdown, creating radioactive particles that release small bursts of energy. This energy is absorbed by the lung tissue, damaging lung cells.

When cells are damaged, they have the potential to result in cancer when they reproduce. The risk of cancer depends on the level of radon and how long a person is exposed to those levels.

It is important to note, exposure to radon and tobacco use together can significantly increase your risk of lung cancer.

Canadian Radon Ambassador’s share their story

CR3 Magazine’s November edition shares the powerful stories of eight radon ambassadors who share a connection with lung cancer and high radon levels in their home.

Read the full magazine here | Special Edition: Lung Cancer Journeys (CR3 Magazine)

How do I test for Radon?

Good News! Testing is affordable and easy to do yourself. Since radon levels fluctuate day to day, long-term testing is recommended for accuracy.

You can purchase a one-time use radon detector or a continuous monitor. Both are accurate and easy to set up.

Place the detector in the lowest occupied level of your home where you spend the most time. Testing over the fall and winter months is recommended when your home is more tightly sealed.

Is there a safe Radon level?

Radon is measured in Becquerels. Health Canada’s take action guideline is 200 bq/m3. However, we recommend homeowners take action to lower their radon levels as much as possible.

How do you lower your Radon level?

Techniques to lower radon levels are effective and can be installed in less than a day in most cases. The most common radon reduction method is called sub-slab depressurization. A pipe is installed through the foundation floor to an outside wall or up through to the roof line. A small fan is attached which draws the radon from below the house to the outside before it can enter your home.

Increasing ventilation and sealing major entry routes can also help reduce radon levels, but their effectiveness will be limited depending on how high the radon levels are and the design of each home.

Find a Radon Mitigation Professional in your area to discuss your options.