Why are we seeing so many news articles and social media posts about radon these past few years? What’s the big deal?
The big deal is that it’s deadly and can be found in dangerous levels in far too many homes in Ontario.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, right behind smoking, and has been linked to thousands of deaths each year. Radon is a known human carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer, specifically lung cancer.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is found in the environment. It seeps into your home through cracks in the foundation, pipes, or other openings and accumulates in the air in your home. If the levels are too high it poses great risk to your family. It’s important to know the risk.
You can view this short 1:26 minute video to learn more about what radon is.
The Hamilton region is identified as an ELEVATED risk area, just one level below HIGH risk, the most dangerous ranking. Just on the south border of Hamilton the area is identified as High Risk.
How can I tell if there’s radon in my house?
We encourage homeowners to test their home for radon. Radon test kits are available for purchase online or at most home improvement and hardware stores. Testing your home for radon is simple and should be done every two to three years, since radon levels can change over time and from season to season.
What do I do if there is radon in my house?
If you find your home has elevated levels of radon, make sure to take necessary steps to reduce those levels, such as installing a radon mitigation system. Relative to the potential risk to your family, mitigation systems are relatively simple and low cost.
If you want to learn more about radon you can visit https://canadaradon.com/