According to the Cross-Canada Survey of Radon Exposure, roughly 18% of Canadian homes have levels higher than what is deemed safe. Some regions are more affected than others, with places like Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick seeing higher rates of the radioactive gas than places like Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia.
Other factors contribute to whether a home has a higher radon level, including whether it is in a rural or urban community and the design of the building. Since radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, those at risk should know how to test for radon levels and how to reduce them if they're too high.
Testing for Radon
Canadian guidelines for radon exposure sit at 200 becquerels per cubic metre (200 Bq/M3). Anything above those levels puts families at risk of the negative health effects associated with breathing in the substance over a prolonged period of time.
Testing for radon in your home is an easy process that costs very little. You can purchase a do-it-yourself radon test kit for as little as $39.95. You want to look for test kits that test over a more extended period, such as one that can last several months.
It should also be certified by the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) to ensure it meets quality standards set out by Health Canada. If you want to go the professional route, you can hire someone certified by the C-NRPP to accurately and effectively test for radon in your house.
Every radon test should last for at least three months, and testing is best done during the fall or winter months.
Reducing Radon in the Home
If your testing results in a reading higher than 200 Bq/M3, you must reduce the amount of radon in the home for your safety. Any level higher than the standard must be addressed, which can be done by hiring a certified radon mitigation specialist.
They will be able to assess where the radon is coming from, how it’s getting into the home, and the steps to take to reduce levels. The costs will vary for radon reduction but can be similar to other home repairs. You can find a certified mitigation specialist in your area by visiting the C-NRPP website.
Protecting Your Home from Radon Exposure
Once you have reduced the levels of radon in your home, you can take preventative steps to ensure that you are safe in the future. These can include:
· Sealing cracks of opening in the foundation, basement walls, and crawl spaces
· Install a radon mitigation system that draws radon gas from inside the home and pushes it outside
· Use activated charcoal filters in areas where there are higher levels of radon
· Maintain ample ventilation in the home
· Set up a radon monitor in your home, similar to a carbon monoxide detector, to stay on top of levels consistently
Protecting yourself and your family from radon exposure is crucial to ensure you’re not at an increased risk for lung diseases and complications. The good news is that testing, monitoring, and radon mitigation are available so you can see where your home stands and promptly resolve any issues.