When planning a trip, we often only think about the essentials. Accommodations, food, local attractions, and traffic are usually at the top of the list, but one factor that is often overlooked is indoor air safety. It may seem simple, but considering the risk that exposure to toxic gases like radon can bring, thinking about ways to protect yourself, your family and any travel companions should be a priority.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It can build up in enclosed spaces, and be virtually undetectable without testing equipment, so the risk of encountering it without knowing is high, especially in Canada. Radon gas develops when uranium in soil breaks down, releasing the toxic gas. In the outdoors, radon disperses and is harmless when encountered, but it can build to dangerous levels in enclosed spaces such as homes or hotels.
Why Radon Matters for Travelers
Due to the natural geological makeup of the area, radon levels in Canada are high. Certain regions are especially high, so travelers may be exposed to radon in accommodations that aren’t tested or mitigated. Hotels, motels, and rental homes—especially those with basements or located in these radon-prone areas—can sometimes have elevated radon levels, which can potentially impact guests’ health.
The risk of radon exposure is not confined to Canada, however. Radon toxicity has been reported around the world. Being aware of radon-prone areas is essential for international travel as well as domestic travel so travelers can be proactive about choosing accommodations.
When planning your accommodations, you may find they don’t disclose radon levels, but you can always reach out to the prospective hotel or property and ask about radon testing procedures and if they have a recent reading. Many larger hotel chains and reputable vacation rental companies may already have radon management and mitigation systems in place, especially if they are located in a high-risk area. In Canada, some hotels and rental properties participate in programs that certify buildings for indoor air quality, including radon safety. Checking for certifications like these, researching the international equivalent, and asking about them ahead of time can help provide peace of mind when planning your travels.
Precautions to Take During Your Stay
Radon levels tend to accumulate at higher levels the closer to the ground, which means lower floors like basements are usually the most susceptible to potential exposure. Accommodations on higher floors can be a safer route, especially if you cannot find any information on radon levels or mitigation systems in place. This is one of the ways you can help to protect yourself when traveling.
Another way to help reduce your risk of radon exposure when traveling is increasing ventilation in your hotel or property. Good ventilation is one of the easiest ways to reduce radon building, so opening windows, turning on fans, and using any ventilation systems already in place, such as exhaust fans, can help to reduce radon concentration in indoor spaces.
Some amenities, like spas, gyms, entertainment rooms, and even certain rooms may be located in lower levels, such as basements or garages, especially in hotels or rental properties. If you are traveling to an area with high radon levels, it might be wise to limit time in these spaces or try to increase ventilation, if possible. If you are a frequent traveler or may be at greater risk for lung cancer if exposed, portable radon detectors are also an option that you can take with you when you travel. These may not always be as accurate as readings from a long-term test kit, but they can help give you a snapshot of the radon concentration in a room. Short-term test kits are also a viable option, but you may have to wait for the results to process before you can get a reading.
Raising Awareness About Radon Risks
As awareness and understanding of the risks of radon exposure increase, more travelers are asking hotels and rental properties to conduct proper testing of the indoor air quality. When guests request information like radon levels and protocols, it can encourage accommodations to implement mitigation and testing policies. If you frequently stay in a particular hotel, for example, you can inquire with management about how they address radon concerns on their properties.
Repeated radon exposure is linked to lung cancer, as well as other symptoms, and can be especially high for smokers. Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer in Canada, with radon exposure being the second, which is why it is so crucial to be aware of radon levels wherever you go. Additionally, since radon is nearly impossible to detect without proper equipment, you may never know you are exposed. Telling your neighbors, travel partners, family, and friends can also help to reduce exposure to radon and increase awareness.
Professional Radon Services for Travelers and Businesses
While radon may not be the first thing on your mind when planning a trip, it’s worth considering when looking into locations and accommodations. If you are staying in a high-risk area, or enclosed spaces without ventilation or open air there are ways to stay informed and stay safe against radon levels. Taking simple precautions and choosing accommodations thoughtfully can help you enjoy peace of mind and a safer environment on the road. With growing awareness and traveler demand, we can encourage more properties to adopt radon-safe practices, protecting not only travels but local residents as well.
In Ontario, the Ottawa Radon Pros specialize in radon mitigation and management services, as well as testing and post-mitigation follow-up care. Our team is expertly trained and works with national certifications and memberships to ensure the highest level of care when it comes to radon removal and care. Radon can harm anyone, in any building, in any location. It does not discriminate against size, shape, or age, and can cause harm to your lungs, especially the longer you are exposed. To learn more about our services, or get a quote for your business, call us today.