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Radon Test Results

March 2010

Radon is a colourless, odourless gas that is produced from the natural breakdown of uranium in rocks and soil. Radon can enter a home through tiny openings in floors and foundations and build up to dangerous levels. Long-term exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada. For smokers, the risk of developing lung cancer from radon exposure is even higher. It is important to learn about the health risks associated with radon, how to test for it, and how to reduce exposure if necessary.

Health Canada recommends that homes be tested for radon for at least three months, preferably between October and April when windows and doors are generally kept closed. If you’ve had a radon test kit measuring during these months, you may have already received the results or you might be getting ready to send in the kit for lab analysis. If you haven’t tested your home yet, it may be best to wait until October when the windows and doors of our homes are generally kept closed for all of the minimum three months of measurement.

What does the reading mean?

If your reading is 200 Bq/m3 or greater, Health Canada recommends you take measures to reduce the level of radon in your home. If your reading is less than 200 Bq/m3, you may still wish to take measures to reduce the level of radon in your home, weighing the costs and efforts with the potential health benefits. The lower the radon level in your home, the lower the risk.

What can be done to reduce radon levels?

Some measures are relatively easy and can be done by some homeowners. Other measures require a contractor. Examples of measures that can help include:

• Block entry routes of radon gas, such as sealing cracks in basement floors and walls and around pipes

• Increasing ventilation in your home with a heat recovery ventilator (HRV)

• Ventilate the sub-floor in the basement to the outside (called soil depressurization)

It is recommended that a contractor be certified by an accredited organization, such as by the US-based National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP).

To find contractors knowledgeable on reducing radon levels in homes, visit these two websites:

• http://www.radongas.org/Canada_Mitigation.html

• http://www.crpa-acrp.com/biz_directory/radon/certified.shtml

As always, check their credentials, ask for references, and get quotes for the full costs.

To find out more, you can download a copy of Health Canada’s RADON: IS IT IN YOUR HOME.

For more detailed information, you can download, view or order a copy of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's RADON – A Guide for Canadian Homeowners.

What will it cost to reduce the radon level in my home?

Depending on what is needed to adequately reduce the radon level, Health Canada estimates the costs will typically be in the $50 - $3000 range.

If you have any questions or would like to order a free copy of the brochure Radon – Is It In Your Home? please call The Lung Association’s Asthma Action™ Helpline at 1-888-344-LUNG (5864) or visit www.on.lung.ca/radon.

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