While it may sound more like a villain from the Transformers movie, radon is a threat you won’t see on the big screen. Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas, produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rocks and water. It is present in all homes across Canada but at different concentrations.
Radioactive gas in a home can pose serious health risks if left untreated. However, the good news is radon testing is simple and accessible for all homeowners, and fixing the problem is generally inexpensive.
How do you make sure your clients are effectively testing for radon?
The most important thing is selecting the right type of test. Long-term testing, a test that occurs over a three-month period during the fall and winter months, is the most effective method, according to Health Canada because it provides a more representative annual average exposure.
Once the test is complete, the results are sent for analysis by certified radon professionals to determine radon levels (your clients can find all of this information in their test kit).
If the radon concentration exceeds 200 Bq/m3 (becquerels per cubic meter), a mitigation system should be implemented by a radon professional to reduce the radon levels in their home. Remind your clients to always get estimates, ask questions and check references before selecting a radon professional.
This year, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) along with boards and associations across the country will be undertaking radon testing in our own buildings. To see the results, make sure to visit the CREA Café next spring.
Radon tests are widely available across Canada. To find a retailer near you, visit TakeActionOnRadon.ca/test.
For more information you can provide to your clients, make sure to check out A Homeowner’s Guide to Radon and learn more about radon testing by following #RadonActionMonth online.
