Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that can pose serious health risks if inhaled over long periods. Invisible, odorless, and tasteless, it is undetectable without specialized testing. Yet, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers in Canada, responsible for approximately 3,200 deaths annually, according to Health Canada. This November, National Radon Action Month, is an important opportunity to raise awareness about the risks of radon and encourage Canadians to take action to reduce their exposure at home and in the workplace.
Given radon’s significant health risks, testing and mitigation are essential. This post will explore what radon is, its sources, health effects, methods for testing, and steps you can take to protect yourself and those around you in Canada.
What is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas produced naturally from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. As radon gas seeps up through the ground, it can enter buildings through cracks and openings in foundations, floors, and walls, accumulating in enclosed spaces such as basements. The gas has no color, smell, or taste, making it undetectable without a test.
Radon levels vary across Canada based on geological factors, and certain areas have higher radon potential. Health Canada has published a map identifying “radon-prone areas” to help guide awareness and testing efforts. However, radon can affect homes and buildings anywhere in the country, making testing a priority for all Canadians, regardless of location.
Health Risks of Radon Exposure
Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer overall, following smoking, and the top cause among non-smokers. When radon gas is inhaled, radioactive particles can become lodged in the lungs, releasing bursts of radiation that damage lung tissue and increase the risk of cancer over time.
The risk of lung cancer from radon exposure is significantly higher for smokers; Health Canada reports that smokers exposed to high radon levels are up to 10 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers in the same environment.
Symptoms of radon-induced lung cancer are like those of other lung cancers, including:
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Hoarseness
- Shortness of breath
- Recurring respiratory infections
These serious health risks make radon awareness and testing crucial for every Canadian household and workplace.
Radon Awareness in Canadian Homes
Radon can be present in any home in Canada, whether new or old, well-sealed or drafty. However, homes with basements or those built directly on soil may have higher radon levels due to increased exposure to radon-emitting ground soil.
Health Canada and the Canadian Lung Association recommend testing all homes for radon, ideally during the fall and winter when homes are typically sealed to keep out the cold. If radon levels are at or above 200 becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m³)—the Canadian action level—mitigation is recommended to reduce exposure.
Radon Awareness in the Canadian Workplace
Workplaces, particularly those in areas identified as high-risk radon zones, should also undergo regular radon testing. Health Canada recommends radon testing for commercial buildings, especially workplaces with basements or ground-level rooms where radon can accumulate. Radon exposure in the workplace poses similar health risks to those encountered in homes, with particular concern in buildings with limited ventilation, which allows radon to concentrate over time.
Underground or partially underground work environments, such as mines, storage facilities, and basements, present increased risks for radon accumulation. Industrial hygienists in Canada are essential for identifying high-risk areas and implementing control measures to reduce radon exposure and protect employees.
Testing for Radon
Testing methods are generally divided into two categories: short-term and long-term.
Short-Term Testing
Short-term tests measure radon levels over a period of 2–7 days. These tests provide a snapshot of radon levels and can help indicate whether further investigation is necessary. However, because radon levels vary due to weather conditions and seasonal changes, short-term tests may not give a fully accurate representation of long-term exposure.
Long-Term Testing
Long-term tests measure radon levels over a period of three months to a year, offering a more accurate average of radon levels by accounting for fluctuations. Health Canada recommends long-term testing as the most reliable method for determining the average annual radon level in homes and workplaces.
Professional Testing
For homes and workplaces with known or suspected high radon levels, professional testing is advisable. Certified radon professionals in Canada are trained to conduct detailed assessments, ensuring accurate and comprehensive testing for radon exposure.
Mitigating Radon Exposure
If radon levels exceed Health Canada’s action level of 200 Bq/m³, it is essential to take mitigation steps to reduce exposure. Radon mitigation generally focuses on preventing the gas from entering a building or reducing its concentration indoors. Key methods include:
- Sub-Slab Depressurization (Soil Suction)
- The most common mitigation method, sub-slab depressurization, involves installing a pipe system to draw radon from beneath the building and vent it safely above the roofline. This method is highly effective at reducing radon levels and is commonly recommended for homes in radon-prone areas.
- Sealing Cracks and Openings
- Sealing cracks and openings in floors, walls, and foundations can help reduce radon entry but is usually insufficient as a standalone solution. It is typically used in combination with soil suction systems to enhance overall mitigation effectiveness.
- Ventilation Improvements
- Increasing ventilation in enclosed spaces, particularly in basements and crawl spaces, helps dilute radon concentrations. Mechanical ventilation systems can also be an effective long-term solution in certain environments.
- Building Pressurization
- In some cases, increasing the pressure inside a building can prevent radon from seeping in. This method requires careful monitoring to ensure effectiveness and is typically used in combination with other mitigation methods.
Once a mitigation system is installed, it should be regularly maintained and tested to ensure it continues to function effectively over time.
Taking Action in Canada
Reducing radon exposure requires ongoing commitment. Health Canada and the Canadian Lung Association encourage regular radon testing, especially following construction changes or renovations that might affect radon levels. Educating yourself and others about the risks of radon exposure and encouraging friends, family, and coworkers to test their homes and workplaces is also crucial.
Public health campaigns like National Radon Action Month aim to increase awareness of radon’s health risks and make testing a standard practice in Canadian households and workplaces. Industrial hygienists and occupational health professionals play an important role in promoting radon awareness, conducting workplace risk assessments, recommending mitigation measures, and supporting public health efforts.
Conclusion
Radon may be invisible, but its health risks are real and potentially life-threatening. This November, during National Radon Action Month, take the time to understand the dangers of radon exposure and the steps you can take to protect yourself, your family, and your coworkers. Testing is the only way to know if radon levels are safe, and if high levels are found, mitigation can significantly reduce health risks.