Have you heard of radon? It’s an invisible, odourless, radioactive gas that is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in Canada.
Radon occurs naturally in the soil when uranium breaks down. When it escapes from the ground outside, it gets diluted in the air and is no cause for concern. But in our homes, radon gas can seep in through cracks and gaps in the foundation or through dirt floors and crawlspaces, and it can build up to dangerous levels.
Long-term exposure to radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer deaths in Canada after smoking, leading to more than 3,000 deaths every year, more than 8 people a day.
Fortunately, there is a simple but effective test for radon and, if there is a risk to you and your family, the fix is affordable and easy to take care of. You can buy a DIY testing kit online or hire a certified radon expert to conduct the test for you, and make any recommendations based on the results.
Radon levels can vary from day to day, so Health Canada recommends conducting a three-month-long test during the winter months to get an accurate annual average exposure level.
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