When it comes to protecting your home and family, most people think about smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and proper insulation. However, there’s a silent threat that often goes unnoticed: radon gas. Found in many Canadian homes, radon is an invisible, odourless radioactive gas that can accumulate indoors and pose serious health risks. Understanding radon levels and the importance of radon testing is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy living environment.
What Is Radon and Where Does It Come From?
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that forms from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It seeps into buildings through foundation cracks, floor drains, and gaps around service pipes. Since radon is colourless and odourless, the only way to detect it is through radon testing.
Once inside a home, radon can become trapped and build up to unsafe concentrations, especially in basements and lower levels. It’s not limited to older homes—any building, regardless of age or location, can have elevated radon levels.
How Radon Affects Your Health
The most serious health risk associated with radon is lung cancer. According to Health Canada, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Prolonged exposure to high radon levels significantly increases the likelihood of developing lung cancer, especially for smokers or those with preexisting respiratory conditions.
Because the symptoms of radon exposure (such as coughing or shortness of breath) often take years to appear, radon testing becomes even more important as a preventive measure. Identifying and addressing high levels early can greatly reduce long-term health risks.
How to Measure Radon Levels in Your Home
There are two main types of radon testing: short-term and long-term. Short-term tests measure radon levels over a few days, while long-term tests measure exposure over several months and provide a more accurate assessment of average levels.
Health Canada recommends conducting long-term radon testing (for at least 90 days) during the fall or winter months when windows and doors are typically closed, allowing for more accurate readings. Radon test kits are widely available online and at hardware stores, or you can hire a certified radon measurement professional for expert testing and analysis.
What Factors Influence Radon Levels?
Several elements can impact the concentration of radon in a home, including:
- Geographic location: Some areas have higher concentrations of uranium in the soil.
- Construction type: Homes with basements or crawl spaces are more susceptible.
- Ventilation: Poor airflow can trap radon inside.
- Seasonal changes: Levels often rise in the winter due to closed windows and heating systems.
Because of these variables, ongoing radon testing is recommended every few years—even if your previous results were within safe limits.
Reducing Radon: What Are Your Options?
If radon testing reveals high levels—typically above 200 Bq/m³, as per Health Canada guidelines—it’s important to take corrective action. Mitigation methods include:
- Sealing cracks in the foundation and floors
- Installing sub-slab depressurization systems, which draw radon out before it enters your home
- Improving ventilation to reduce indoor concentrations
Professional radon mitigation services can evaluate your home and install effective systems tailored to your layout. After any mitigation work, follow-up radon testing is essential to confirm the issue has been resolved.
Radon Awareness and Public Health
Public health agencies across Canada have increased efforts to promote radon testing awareness. Campaigns such as Radon Action Month in November encourage homeowners to test their properties and take necessary steps to protect their health. Community test kit programs are also available in many regions, offering free or discounted testing kits.
As a homeowner, taking part in these initiatives not only protects your family but also contributes to a larger public health movement aimed at reducing radon-related illnesses.
When to Talk to a Doctor
While radon testing is your first line of defense, it’s also wise to speak with your doctor if you’ve lived in a home with elevated radon levels for several years—especially if you’re a smoker or experiencing respiratory symptoms. Your doctor may recommend lung function tests or cancer screenings based on your risk profile.
Take Control of Your Indoor Air Quality
Your home should be a sanctuary, not a source of danger. With the serious health risks tied to prolonged radon exposure, it’s clear that radon testing is a simple yet powerful step in safeguarding your indoor air quality. Whether you’ve lived in your home for years or just moved in, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Take proactive measures to test, mitigate, and retest as necessary.
By prioritizing radon testing, you’re not just protecting your property—you’re investing in long-term health and peace of mind.