This November, as part of National Radon Action Month, Health Canada is encouraging Canadians to test their home for radon.
Radon is a lung cancer risk. It is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and second overall behind tobacco, leading to the deaths of almost 100 Saskatchewan residents each year. Saskatchewan is a radon-prone province with an estimated 16 percent of homes exceeding the Guideline level.
Radon is naturally occurring in soil and rock, but it is drawn into our homes by a vacuum effect, particularly in the heating season.
“Every home in contact with the ground will have some radon. The question is how much and the only way to know is to test,” says Sandy Hutchison, Regional Radiation Specialist at Health Canada.
November is an ideal time to start a three month test recommended by Health Canada to make an informed decision about radon reduction strategies.
The good news is that a home with elevated radon can be fixed. Proven methods by certified radon professionals can reduce radon levels by 90 percent or more.
.png;w=120;h=80;mode=crop)
