Radon

Fact Sheet
November 2010

News Release: Harper Government Encourages Canadians to Test their Homes for Radon

What is radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas found naturally in the environment. It is produced by the decay of uranium found in rocks and soil. It is invisible, odourless and tasteless. When radon is released from the ground into the outdoor air, it is diluted and is not a concern. However, in enclosed spaces, like homes, it can sometimes accumulate to high levels, which can be a risk to the health of you and your family.

What are the health risks?

Radon exposure increases your risk of developing lung cancer. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. The risk of cancer depends on the level of radon in your house, how long you are exposed and whether you smoke. Exposure to radon and tobacco use together can significantly increase your risk of lung cancer.

How can Radon get into my home?

Radon can enter a home through any place it finds an opening where the house contacts the soil: cracks in foundation walls and in floor slabs, construction joints, gaps around service pipes, support posts, window casements, floor drains, sumps or cavities inside walls.

How do I determine the level of radon in my home?

The only way to know if you have a radon problem is to test your home. It is simple and inexpensive. Health Canada recommends using a long-term test device for a minimum of three months. The best time to test is between September and April when your windows are mostly closed.

Radon test devices are available from some home improvement retailers or can be ordered by phone or over the Internet. Radon testing can also be performed by a trained service provider.

How can I reduce radon levels in my home?

If the radon level in your home is above the Canadian guideline of 200 becquerels/metre³, you should take steps to reduce the level. The higher the radon level in your home, the sooner it needs to be fixed.

If your home tests above the guideline, here are some ways to reduce the level of radon:

• Increase the ventilation to allow an exchange of air.
• Seal all cracks and openings in foundation walls and floors, and around pipes and drains.
• Renovate existing basement floors, particularly earth floors.
• Install a radon removal system using a fan and piping to draw the radon from under the home and expel it outside. This is typically done by a contractor and is the most common and effective method of reducing radon levels.

What is Health Canada Doing?

Health Canada has an ongoing radon outreach and awareness program that is focussed on homeowners, commercial building owners, the building industry, and public health practitioners. The objective of the program is to raise awareness of radon and its potential health risks, and to encourage testing and action to reduce levels, where necessary. Health Canada works very closely with regional, provincial, territorial, and national stakeholders to maximize the program's reach to all Canadians.

Where can I learn more?

Visit the Health Canada Web site www.healthcanada.gc.ca/radon or call 1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232), TTY - 1 800 926-9105 for more information on radon and testing your home.