Radon

Where can I purchase a radon test?

• KFL&A Public Health does NOT sell radon tests
• Purchase your certified radon test online from Take Action on Radon. 
• If you have questions about radon, please contact the Radon Information Line.

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. In Canada, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non smokers. You can read more about the health effects of radon at the 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.

Smoking and high levels of radon

Lung cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Canada. It is the leading cause of death from cancer for both men and women. People who smoke have the highest risk of developing lung cancer and exposure to radon increases that risk. The combination of high radon exposure and smoking tobacco is particularly dangerous.
Take Action on Radon is providing free radon tests to anyone who has made the decision to quit smoking.

White Ribbon radon testing program

This program provides families who have been affected by lung cancer with free radon tests. Free radon tests are available If you or a family member has been diagnosed with lung cancer.