GAS TESTING AND MITIGATION SERVICES
What is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that is released from the ground when uranium in soil, rock, and water breaks down. It is an odourless, colourless, and tasteless noble gas that cannot be detected by the senses.
How Radon Gets in Your Home
Radon can seep into homes through cracks in foundation, walls, floor slabs, and through floor drains and sumps. Once radon enters the home, it travels upwards.
Radon levels are generally highest in basements and crawl spaces. However, the upper floors are usually within 80-90% of that level. In cold climates, a stack effect is created within houses due to poor air circulation and increases homeowner's risk of exposure.
Source: Natural Resources Canada
Health Effects of Radon Gas
Radon is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer in Canada, behind tobacco smoking, and accounts for 16% of lung cancer death.
Radon decays into radioactive particles known as radon decay products. These particles, when inhaled, are deposited in the lungs where they can damage the sensitive lung tissue. Damaged lung tissues can potentially result in cancer when they reproduce.
Any radon exposure carries some risk; no level of radon is safe.
Remediation Time Frame
The Canadian guideline for acceptable radon levels in a dwelling is 200 becquerel per cubic meter (Bq/m ). Health Canada recommends that remedial measures be taken when the average radon level exceeds that.
The higher the radon level, the sooner remediation action is required.
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For more information on how radon can affect your home go to:
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/radiation/radon.html