Locations across Canada
The only way to know if the level is too high is to test and Winter is the ideal testing time.
Radon exposure is the number 1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Radon is a naturally occurring gas found in all homes across Canada. Levels in homes vary widely depending on local soil and rock conditions, and even neighbouring properties can have very different concentrations. The age, style, or location of your home doesn’t determine your radon level—the only way to know is to test.
Homeowners can test for radon using a do-it-yourself test kit. It is important to conduct a long-term test of at least three months for the most accurate results. Testing should be done on the lowest lived-in level of the home, meaning the lowest floor that is regularly occupied for more than four hours per day. Winter is the recommended testing time as the closed house conditions allow the radon to build and the stack effect of heat rising pulls radon from the ground.
If elevated radon levels are found, mitigation systems can effectively reduce exposure making your home safe. The cost of radon reduction varies depending on the home’s design and size, but typically ranges between $2,000 and $4,000.
Testing now is a simple first step toward understanding your home environment and protecting your family’s long-term health. More info: www.Canada.ca/Radon
