Radon FAQ’s
What is radon?
Radon is an invisible, odourless radioactive gas that is a byproduct of decaying uranium in soil, water and rocks. It is found nearly everywhere in the environment naturally in small amounts.
What kind of health risks does radon exposure pose?
Prolonged exposure to radon can damage your lung tissue, which increases your risk of developing lung cancer. Next to smoking, radon exposure is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in Canada.
How does radon get in my house or business?
Radon creeps up into your home through the soil, but can also enter your home through building materials or groundwater to a lesser extent. The pressure difference between indoors and outdoors is what actually draws the radon up into your home. If there are cracks in the concrete of your foundation or drainage systems and leaks, these can allow radon to move more freely into the air in your home or business. Radon gas in your home or business is extremely dangerous because it becomes trapped in a confined space and can easily build up to unsafe levels.
Besides structural issues, what else increases the likelihood of radon exposure?
Excessive sealing of a home or business to prevent drafts and conserve heat and energy can contribute to the buildup of radon gas. Some factors that increase the likelihood of radon in your home are uncontrollable, such as the amount of uranium in the soil nearby. Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia have the highest percentages of homes with dangerous concentrations of radon gas.
Is there an acceptable level for radon gas in the home?
Yes. The current acceptable level or radon gas in Canadian homes, according to Health Canada, is below 200 Becquerels per cubic metre versus 150 Becquerels per cubic metre in U.S. homes. This amount was only recently lowered in Canada, making it even more important than ever for your home or business to undergo professional radon testing.
Why should I have a radon test for my home or business?
There is no difference between older and newly constructed buildings with regards to the risk of radon presence, and there is also no legal requirement for home sellers or landlords to test for radon before putting property up for sale. No matter what type of home or building you occupy or where, there is no way to gauge if you, your family or your employees are at risk for radon exposure other than a radon test.
We can help.
Should you suspect the presence of radon, contact us today for a friendly and pressure-free quote at 416-575-6111 or 905-264-3711.