What is Radon?

Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas. You cannot see, smell or taste radon, but it may be a problem in your home. Radon is the result of the natural decay of uranium in soil, rock and water, and enters the home from below. The Health Canada urges every homeowner to test for radon or if you are buying or selling a home.

What’s the Problem?

Each year in Canada radon accounts for over 10 percent of the lung cancer related deaths*. Radon can be a problem in all types of homes and has been found in homes in every province, including old homes, new homes, drafty homes, insulated homes, homes with basements, and homes without basements. Local geology, construction materials, and how the home was built are among the factors that can affect radon levels in homes.

How Can Homeowners Protect Themselves?

You should test your home for the level of radon gas present in the indoor air. If you have high radon levels, there are ways to solve a radon problem. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels.

Hire a Qualified Radon Tester

It is important to get an accurate test. The best way to assure this is to hire a qualified professional, often a home inspector, to conduct the radon testing. A qualified tester knows the proper conditions, test devices and guidelines for obtaining reliable radon test results.

How to Fix a Radon Problem?

There are solutions to radon problems in homes. Sealing cracks and other openings in the foundation is a basic part of most approaches to radon reduction. In most cases, a mitigation system with a vent pipe and fan is also used to reduce radon to prevent radon gas from entering the home from below the concrete floor. Qualified radon mitigation contractors should be consulted to install such systems