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If you’ve ever wondered what radon gas is, you’ve come to the right place!
Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive, odourless, and colourless gas that forms as uranium in soil and rock breaks down through decay. This process happens wherever there is uranium present in rock or soil.
Uranium is present in the earth’s crust. As it decays, radon gas is produced. The gas then moves upward through soil and can reach the open air or seep into spaces inside buildings.
Radon is present in almost all homes across Canada. The concentration level depends on local geology and soil composition. Some areas may show higher levels due to more uranium in the ground.
Radon gas moves through the ground and enters structures through cracks in the foundation, open sump pits, unfinished dirt floors, and gaps in pipes or walls. Seeping can happen at any time of year, depending on soil and pressure conditions around the home.
Breathing in radon over a long period leads to higher lung cancer risk. When inhaled, radon particles get stuck in the lung tissue, where they release radiation that harms cells. This can cause damage that leads to health issues like lung cancer over time.
Long-term exposure to radon is a key cause of lung cancer. About half of a person’s lifetime radiation exposure comes from radon. This amount is higher than all other sources combined for most people in Canada.
Health Canada sets the safety guideline for radon at 200 becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m³). This amount is based on evidence about health risks and aligns with guidelines set by international authorities. The World Health Organization recommends action at levels over 100 Bq/m³, but Canada uses the 200 Bq/m³ mark for practical reasons.
Long-term testing, over 90 days, gives the most reliable measurement of radon indoors. There are two main ways to test. One is air sampling, where a device collects air from inside the home for analysis. The other is using alpha dosimetry with radon track etch dosimeters, which measure accumulation over time.
Radon testing kits are sold at home improvement stores and online sellers. The kits usually come with instructions, and homeowners can follow these to sample their home’s air for several months. After the test is done, the kit is sent back to a lab for analysis.
If testing finds radon above the guideline, it is possible to reduce levels. Certified professionals can install depressurization systems that draw radon out from beneath the home and vent it above the roof. Sealing foundation cracks and openings that connect soil to indoor air also helps lower radon entry.
These costs can differ based on the state of the foundation, the size of the home, and the method used. Homeowners can ask certified contractors for quotes.
Radon is considered during property sales and purchases due to the health risks of long-term exposure. Knowing the radon levels in a home or workplace helps owners and buyers protect health. Radon testing and proper mitigation can reassure all parties during real estate transactions.
