Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium found in rocks and soil. You can’t see, smell, or taste radon. When outside, radon does not usually cause health issues because it can disperse in the air. But when radon seeps into confined spaces like a house, it can build up to high levels and become harmful. 

Free Radon Test Kits

Interested in picking up a FREE radon test kit as part of the Evict Radon national study? Community members who receive a kit must agree to be a part of the study, set up the device for at least 91 days, and then send the kit (pre-paid envelope included) to be analyzed. Kits are available on a "first come, first served basis". 

Find a pick-up location near you:

Radon and Your Health

In Canada, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. People who smoke and are exposed to radon are at even higher risk of lung cancer.

The health risk from radon exposure is long term and often dependent on many things, including: 

  • the level of radon in your home,
  • your age,
  • chronic conditions,
  • the length of time (in years) you have been exposed, and 
  • smoking habits or exposure to secondhand smoke. 

Radon can come out of the soil and seep into cracks, openings and gaps in your home. This is especially true on lower floors, basements or crawl spaces. All homes contain some level of radon. Levels will vary from one house to another, even right next door. The only way to be sure of the radon level in your home is to test.  

 

Testing for radon is easy. There are two ways to test a home for radon: 

  1. Use a Health Canada approved do-it-yourself radon test kit
    1. Available for purchase at most hardware stores
    2. Borrow a radon monitor from a local library (where available - see below)
  2. Hire a certified, radon-measurement professional. 

Radon levels can vary by day and week and month, so it’s important to measure radon for at least three months (91 days). It is recommended to test between October to April.  

Some local public libraries lend radon monitors. These are different from radon test kits, and can be used as a first step to determine if you should complete a full radon test. The Haliburton County Public Library, Kawartha Lakes Public Library, Peterborough Public Library, and the Trent Hills Public Library (Campbellford) have radon monitors available for residents to borrow.

Health Canada recommends indoor air radon levels be below 200 becquerels per cubic metre (200 Bq/m3). If a long-term (3-6 months) radon detection test determines your home to be above that level, consult a certified radon professional (1-855-722-6777). Levels above 600 Bq/m3 should be remediated within one year; levels between 200 and 600 Bq/m3 should be remediated within two years. 

In Ontario, newly built homes have a 7-year warranty for radon remediation. If levels are above the guidelines set by Health Canada (200Bg/m3), this warranty should cover remediation costs.

What is Radon?

Radon is an invisible radioactive gas that comes from the ground and is in every home in Canada. It’s the #1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. You can't smell, taste or see radon. But it's easy to test for and easy to reduce to safe levels.

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