In Canada, the soil is rich in minerals and nutrients, which provides a beautiful and luscious green scape. However, some minerals found in Canadian soil, rock, and groundwater can develop into dangerous, radioactive gases that can harm humans in certain settings. One of the most common gases found throughout Canada is radon. Due to the country’s geological composition, radon levels are higher than average in various regions in the country.
Radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that occurs naturally when minerals like radium, thorium, and uranium decompose in the ground. It can seep into buildings and homes through cracks in the foundation, gaps and spaces in walls and windows, and even gaps around pipes and HVAC systems. It is dangerous and can lead to potentially fatal health issues, with symptoms often not present for years after exposure.
Knowing these important facts about radon can help you safeguard your home and family against the dangers of radon gas. Be sure to look into radon testing before moving into a new home and throughout the year to ensure your home is protected against potential threats like radon exposure.
#1: Radon is the Second Leading Cause of Lung Cancer in Canada
Radon gas is well known to be linked to lung cancer. In Canada, and many other parts of the world, it is one of the leading causes of lung cancer, after smoking. Officially, radon gas exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada, with over 3,000 lung cancer deaths per year being attributed to radon exposure. This is about 16% of all lung cancer deaths in Canada, which is significant, as it is impossible to detect and therefore difficult to avoid without proper testing and awareness.
With the first leading cause of lung cancer being smoking, it is no surprise that those who smoke or are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke may be at a greater risk for developing lung cancer when combined with radon exposure. If you are a tobacco smoker, it is important to educate yourself on the dangers and health risks, as well as prioritize radon gas testing within your home and whenever you are in an enclosed area for extended periods.
#2: Radon is Extremely Common in Canadian Homes
A recent report by the University of Calgary shows that an estimated 10.3 million Canadians, around 18%, reportedly live in residences with high radon levels, anything at or above 200 Bq/m³. This means that Canadians are one of the highest populations of radon-exposed people on the planet, so far, which is why it is important to take precautions and spread awareness of radon gas and its risks. Specific regions, such as Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and the Yukon all have notably higher levels, but every region in Canada has homes with elevated radon levels, so testing your home is the only way to know where your home stands.
While Health Canada has listed 200 Bq/m³ as the acceptable level, it is important to note any exposure to radon can be harmful, so Ottawa Radon Pros always takes the extra step to work towards a radon level of below 100 Bq/m³, getting it as close to 0 as possible.
#3: Radon Exposure Risks Increase During Cold Seasons
Winter in Canada is known to be cold and wet, which often leads to people heavily insulating their homes, rarely opening doors and windows to allow for natural air circulation. This is expected, as those with artificial heating in their home often opt to run it to ensure a cozy, comfortable temperature inside. However, many don’t realize this can greatly increase the risk of trapping radon indoors, especially in rooms on lower levels, such as basements.
Thankfully, there are ways to mitigate the risk of radon accumulating indoors during the winter. Regular radon testing, especially throughout the different seasons, can give you an idea of how radon affects your home, if at all. Installing air purifiers and radon mitigation solutions can also help to reduce any toxic gas within your home and ensure safe indoor air levels for you and your family.
#4: Radon Testing is Safe, Easy, and Affordable
Since radon is virtually undetectable, the only way to accurately detect radon levels in your home is by testing. This can seem overwhelming to some homeowners, but it is a simple task that can be performed in a variety of different ways to suit different needs, budgets, and homes. There are two types of radon tests available: short-term and long-term. Short-term tests are ideal for getting a fast result, usually before moving into a home, staying in a rental, or determining if levels are safe and whether evacuation or mitigation needs to be implemented during a long-term test.
A long-term test, however, is recommended by Health Canada to get a more accurate reading of the radon levels in dwellings. These can be performed anywhere from three months up to a year, and should be placed in the lowest level of the home that is regularly used by the residents. You can also look into professional radon testing services. Our team can perform testing services for you, as well as help you install radon detectors, review readings, and even compare products to help you determine which is best for you.
#5: Radon Mitigation Services are Customizable For Your Needs and Budget
If radon testing shows your home has higher than average levels, it is normal to worry. Thankfully, you don’t need to panic! Getting help to reduce radon to a safe level is easy with help from experts like Ottawa Radon Pros. Mitigation methods can vary, and some may even be performed as a preventative measure to help reduce the risk of radon ever entering your home. Simple mitigation methods include sealing services, which involve closing any gaps, fixing any holes, and patching any cracks in the walls, foundation, and exterior to reduce radon from entering. Other simple options include improving ventilation with airflow systems or purification machines.
For those with severe radon risks, more comprehensive mitigation methods may be used, such as installing a radon mitigation system. Some popular mitigation solutions include active sub-slab depressurization, which is optimal for those who have a concrete finish in their basement or ground level. Other options include active soil depressurization and alternative solutions, or a mix of various systems.
If you are worried about radon levels in your Ontario home but are not sure where you should start or how to implement radon testing, our team offers free consultations and expert advice. Give us a call today and our team can help you determine what the best steps are to protect your home and your family from toxic radon gas exposure.