Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada, next to smoking.
Radon is an odourless, colourless, and tasteless naturally occurring gas found in soil, water and rock. Although all buildings contain some radon, high levels of radon in homes can be a health hazard to its occupants. Therefore, awareness about radon and reducing exposure is very important to all home owners and tenants.
The only way to determine if your home has radon is by testing for it. Tests are available at most local hardware stores. Testing is simple!
| What is radon? |
| Radon is a colourless, odourless, invisible radioactive gas found in the environment. It is produced by the breakdown of uranium found in soil, rocks, and water. |
| Why is radon a health hazard? |
| Radon outdoors evaporates into the atmosphere causing no harms to human health. However, radon can become trapped in buildings through cracks in floors, gaps around cables or piping, or through well water. When this happens radon can become stuck in the home and build up to high levels, which overtime can become a health risk. If the gas is inhaled, the radon atoms decay in the airways or the lungs and over time may lead to lung cancer. |
| What are acceptable levels of radon in a home? |
| The current Health Canada guideline for acceptable levels of radon inside buildings is 200 Becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3). Buildings that test between 200 Bq/m3 and 600 Bq/m3 should consider making improvements within 2 years. Buildings that test above 600 Bq/m3 should take steps to improve levels within a year. |
| Is radon a major concern in Elgin, Oxford and City of St. Thomas? |
| According to Health Canada’s most recent Cross-Canada Survey of Radon Concentration in Homes, 7.5% of the homes tested in Elgin-St. Thomas and 11.5% of the homes tested in Oxford County had high levels of radon. These rates are higher than the national average of 6.9%. |
| How do I know if there is radon in my home? |
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The only way to know if you have radon in your home is to test for it. Testing a home for radon is easy and low cost:
Please note: SWPH will not be distributing Radon testing kits in 2022. |
| How often should I test my home for radon? |
| Health Canada recommends that you test radon in your home every two years OR if you change the air exchange system in your home (i.e., basement renovations, installation of a new HVAC system or air conditioner). |
| What do I do if I find radon in my home? |
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Contact a certified radon expert who can provide you with the best radon reduction solution. High radon levels can be easily corrected. Some methods include:
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| Where can I get more information on radon? |
| You can get more information on radon from the Government of Canada, the Lung Association or Take Action On Radon. |