What is Radon?
Radon, what's that?
Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer. It is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It forms from the decay of uranium, thorium, and radium found in rocks, soil, and groundwater. Radon can enter buildings through cracks in floors, walls, and foundations, as well as through openings around pipes. Once inside, it can accumulate to levels that pose serious health risks.
What is my average radon level?
The only way to determine if your home has elevated radon levels is through testing. Best time to test is between October - April.
World Health Organization - Max 100 Bq/m3
United States - Max 150 Bq/m3
Canada - Max 200Bq/m3
Radon Levels in Alberta and Prairie Canada Are Among the Highest in the World
Radon is a serious concern for homeowners across Calgary, Alberta, and the Canadian Prairies. Research from the Evict Radon National Study shows that Prairie Canada has some of the highest average residential radon levels in the world.
In the comparison shown, Prairie Canada had an average residential radon level of approximately 108 Bq/m³, ranking second among the regions included in the study. Northern Canada ranked third at approximately 101 Bq/m³, while several other Canadian regions also ranked among the highest areas studied.
For homeowners in Calgary and Southern Alberta, this is an important reminder that radon isn’t limited to a particular neighbourhood, age of home, or style of construction. Radon is an invisible, odourless radioactive gas that can accumulate inside homes, and testing is the only way to know your home’s radon level.
At Safe Home Radon Solutions Inc., we provide professional radon testing and radon mitigation in Calgary and surrounding Southern Alberta communities. If your home has elevated radon levels, a professionally designed radon mitigation system can significantly reduce the amount of radon entering your home.
Image source: Evict Radon National Study — evictradon.org
Protecting Your Health
To minimize the health risks associated with radon:
Test your home for radon, especially if it has never been tested, during real estate transactions, or after renovations.
Seal cracks and openings in your home's foundation to reduce radon entry
If radon levels are elevated, consult a professional to install a mitigation system.
Avoid smoking indoors, as it significantly increases the risk of lung cancer from radon exposure.