Did you know radon is present in all Canadian households to some degree. As a radioactive gas that in high levels, and left unmitigated, can present significant health risks, its important homeowners know the important of testing.
REALTORS® can help their clients and communities by sharing information and resources about radon so they can protect themselves and their families.
In honour of Radon Action Month, which takes place each November, we’ve compiled some of the most important information you need to help communicate the importance of testing for radon.
What is radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that’s odourless, colourless, and tasteless. It’s produced by the breakdown of uranium found in sediment (soil), rocks, and water. When radon is released into the atmosphere it gets diluted and poses negligible risk to human health. If radon accumulates inside a home, it can pose a serious health risk.
Radon is found throughout Canada, but concentrations differ depending on the composition of the bedrock or sediment.
Source: Government of Canada
What makes radon potentially dangerous?
When inhaled, radon gas particles remain in lung tissue and begin to decay. As the radon particles decay, they release bursts of radiation that can damage the lung tissue cells. Over time, cell damage can lead to the development of lung cancer.
Radon is the No. 1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and is responsible for the deaths of more than 3,000 people in Canada each year.
How does radon enter a home?
Radon can enter via cracks in the foundation walls and/or floor slabs. It can also enter through other openings, including:
- unfinished floors (dirt);
- construction joints;
- gaps around service pipes;
- support posts;
- window casements;
- floor drains;
- sumps; and/or
- cavities inside walls.
Indoor radon levels are the result of several interconnected factors including the property’s bedrock type, soil type, soil moisture level, seasonal freezing and thawing activity and the home’s design, construction, and use.
When radon is present outdoors the concentrations are typically not dangerous to humans. With well-insulated homes in Canada, radon can be a cause for concern to homeowners, though. This is why it’s important to be vigilant about testing for radon in Canadian homes.
Can radon be a danger in new homes?
While some new homes are built with radon-resistant features, that does not guarantee a low indoor radon level. Testing is recommended to ensure all systems are functioning correctly. Radon concentrations can be varied home to home; even adjacent properties can sometimes have drastically different levels. For this reason, Health Canada suggests every house, even new builds, should be tested, regardless of the age of the home.
What should your clients be doing?
Radon testing is easy and inexpensive. There are two options for homeowners: purchase a do-it-yourself test kit or hire a certified professional. In many cases a radon mitigation system can be installed in less than a day and can reduce radon levels by more than 90%.
We encourage you to share this information with your clients and on social media to spread awareness about the importance of radon testing.
For more information about radon in the home, check out CREA’s Homeowners Guide to Radon or visit Health Canada.
