When we think about home safety, we often focus on things we can see and touch and smell—like fire hazards, electrical safety, or proper ventilation. However, there’s a silent, invisible risk that may be lurking in your home: radon. It’s a naturally occurring gas that can be harmful if it accumulates at high levels, yet many people aren’t aware of its presence or the risks it poses. This blog will explore what radon is, where it comes from, and how it affects health.
What is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that forms from the natural breakdown of uranium, thorium and radium (radioactive metals) in soil, rock, and water. Since it’s a gas, radon moves up through the ground and can seep into the air we breathe. Outdoors, radon disperses quickly and is generally not a concern. However, in confined spaces like homes, especially in basements or ground-level areas, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels.
You can’t see, smell, or taste radon, making it especially tricky to detect without proper testing. It’s present in almost all types of soil, which means radon can be found in homes across the world, with high concentrations in Canada. Alberta, Atlantic Canada, The BC interior and Yukon are some of the areas where radon levels are high. According to this article by the CBC, 1 in every 3 homes in these areas have higher than recommended levels present.
How Does Radon Enter Your Home?
Radon enters homes through:
- Cracks in the foundation
- Gaps around pipes or wiring
- Construction joints
- Sump pumps or drains
- Crawlspaces or other exposed soil
Since radon is heavier than air, it tends to accumulate in lower areas of the house, such as basements or ground floors. Well-sealed or energy-efficient homes may be more susceptible to radon buildup because there’s less air circulation to disperse the gas.
Health Risks Associated with Radon
The primary health concern related to radon is lung cancer. When radon gas is inhaled, radioactive particles can become trapped in the lungs, where they continue to release radiation. Over time, this exposure can damage lung tissue, potentially leading to cancer. Smokers are especially vulnerable, as their risk of developing lung cancer from radon exposure is significantly higher than non-smokers.
The risk of lung cancer increases with higher radon levels and longer exposure. However, because radon-induced lung cancer can take years to develop, it’s often only detected when it’s too late, which is why prevention and testing are so crucial.
Testing for Radon
Testing your home for radon is the only way to know if you’re at risk. Fortunately, it’s simple and accessible. There are two main types of tests:
- Short-term tests: These typically last between 2 and 90 days and provide a quick snapshot of radon levels in your home. Consider this a litmus test for Radon, its kinda like a test to see if you have Radon.
- Long-term tests: These measure radon over a period of more than 90 days, giving a more accurate picture of your home’s average radon levels year-round. This test is more thorough and shows you how much and when your house accumulates Radon.
If your home’s radon levels exceed 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L)—the action level set by the EPA—you should take steps to mitigate the problem. Even levels between 2 and 4 pCi/L may pose a risk, so it’s advisable to reduce radon as much as possible.
Why Should You Care?
While radon may not be a concern that comes to mind as often as other household risks, it’s an issue that shouldn’t be ignored. Thousands of deaths from lung cancer each year are attributed to radon exposure, and unlike other risks, there are no immediate symptoms to warn you of its presence. By being proactive—testing your home and taking corrective measures if needed—you can protect your family from this invisible threat.
Final Thoughts
Radon is a serious health hazard that deserves attention, but it’s also something you can manage. Testing your home is simple, and mitigation systems are effective at reducing radon levels to safe amounts. Whether you’re buying a new home or have been living in the same house for years, it’s worth checking for radon to ensure your indoor environment is as safe as possible.
Take control of your home’s safety and start with radon testing today. It’s a small step that could make a big difference in the long-term health of your family. Contact Amity Environmental and we can help you test for Radon today! Contact us at (403) 667-8264
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/amity_environmental
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Amityenvironmental
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/amityenvironmental/mycompany/?viewAsMember=true
Tik Tok:
@amityenvironmental
