Understanding Radon: The Silent Home Invader

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can quietly invade your home without any warning. Despite its invisibility, radon poses a serious health risk, especially when it accumulates indoors. Many homeowners are unaware of radon’s presence and the dangers it carries. This post will explain what radon is, how it enters homes, the risks it presents, and practical steps you can take to protect your family.

Radon testing device placed in a home basement

Close-up view of a radon testing device placed on a wooden floor in a residential basement

What Is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is part of the earth’s crust and can seep through cracks and openings in buildings. Because radon is invisible and has no smell or taste, you cannot detect it without specialized testing.

Radon gas is heavier than air, so it tends to accumulate in lower areas such as basements and crawl spaces. It can also build up in poorly ventilated rooms or homes with tight construction that limits airflow.

How Radon Enters Your Home

Radon moves from the soil beneath your home into the indoor air through small openings. Common entry points include:

• Cracks in concrete floors or walls

• Gaps around pipes or cables entering the building

• Construction joints and openings in the foundation

• Sump pumps and drains

  
  

Once inside, radon can become trapped, especially in homes with limited ventilation. The concentration of radon can vary widely depending on the local geology, building materials, and home design.

Why Radon Is Dangerous

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, according to Health Canada, and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. When radon gas is inhaled, radioactive particles can damage lung tissue. Over time, this damage increases the risk of developing lung cancer.

The risk is significantly higher for smokers who are exposed to radon, but non-smokers are also at risk. Health Canada estimates that radon is responsible for approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths each year in Canada.

How to Test for Radon in Your Home

Testing is the only way to know if radon is present at harmful levels. There are two main types of radon tests:

• Short-term tests: These take 2 to 7 days and provide a quick snapshot of radon levels. They are easy to use and widely available at hardware stores.

• Long-term tests: These last 90 days to a year and give a more accurate picture of average radon levels over time.

  
  

Testing devices are placed in the lowest lived-in area of the home, such as a basement or first floor. It is important to follow instructions carefully and avoid disturbing the device during the test.

What Radon Levels Are Safe?

Radon levels in Canada are measured in becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m³) of air. Health Canada recommends taking corrective action if radon levels are 200 Bq/m³ or higher. While this is the national guideline, there is no completely safe level of radon, and even levels below 200 Bq/m³ can still pose a health risk.

If your radon test shows elevated levels, mitigation is an effective way to reduce radon concentrations and lower your long-term health risk.

How to Reduce Radon in Your Home

Radon reduction involves preventing the gas from entering or removing it once inside. Common methods include:

• Soil suction: A vent pipe system and fan pull radon from beneath the house and release it outside. This is the most common and effective method.

• Sealing cracks and openings: While sealing alone won’t solve the problem, it helps reduce radon entry when combined with other methods.

• Improving ventilation: Increasing airflow in the home can lower radon levels but is usually not enough by itself.

• Pressurization: Using fans to create positive pressure inside the home to keep radon out.

  
  

Professional radon mitigation specialists can assess your home and recommend the best approach. The cost varies but is generally affordable compared to the health risks.

Radon and Real Estate

Radon testing is often part of home inspections during real estate transactions. Buyers should ask for radon test results and consider mitigation if levels are high. Sellers may choose to test and fix radon issues before listing to avoid surprises.

Protecting Your Family from Radon

Here are practical steps to keep your home safe:

• Test your home for radon every few years or after renovations.

• Use a certified radon test kit or hire a professional.

• Fix elevated radon levels promptly with a qualified contractor.

• Encourage smokers in the household to quit to reduce combined risks.

• Keep basement and crawl space areas well ventilated when possible.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Radon is a hidden threat that can affect any home, regardless of age or location. Testing is simple and affordable, and mitigation can significantly reduce health risks. Protecting your family starts with awareness and action. If you haven’t tested your home yet, make it a priority today.

Taking these steps helps ensure your home remains a safe place for everyone.

Disclaimer: This post provides general information about radon and is not a substitute for professional advice. For specific concerns, consult a certified radon professional or your local health department.