Radon

What is radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium found in rocks and soil. You can’t see, smell, or taste radon.

What are the health effects of radon?

Breathing in high levels of radon for many years can lead to lung cancer. Smokers are at a higher risk of developing radon-related lung cancer than non-smokers. In Canada, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after tobacco smoke. You can read more about the health effects of radon at Canadian Lung Association.

The health risk from radon exposure is long term and often dependent on three things:

1. the level of radon in your home,
2. the length of time (in years) you have been exposed, and
3. smoking habits or exposure to secondhand smoke.

How does radon get into my home?

Radon gas can enter buildings through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, open floor drains or any other area of exposed soil. When radon mixes with the air outside, it’s not a health risk as the air outside dilutes the radon concentrations. But when radon seeps into confined spaces like a house, it can build up to high levels and become harmful. You and your family can breathe in high levels of radon without knowing.

Is there radon in my home?

Every house contains some amount of radon. The likelihood of high radon levels cannot be predicted by the age or location of a home; all homes are at risk. The only way to know how much radon is in your home is to test.