The region’s public health agency is reminding residents of the risks of radon while urging them to test their homes for the gas during November’s Radon Action Month.
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Long-term exposure to higher levels of radon — an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas produced by the decay of naturally occurring uranium in the soil and rocks — is the second leading cause of long cancer, trailing only smoking, Huron Perth public health officials said in a release.
According to Health Canada, 16 per cent of lung cancers can be traced to radon exposure, resulting in more than 3,000 deaths nationwide every year.
“Radon gas can be found at low levels in many homes across Ontario. Testing is an important step towards protecting your health and is the only way to know how much radon may be present indoors,” said Dana Merrifield, a public health inspector with the agency.
Public health officials noted radon gas can travel into homes unnoticed through cracks in the foundation or floors, gaps around pipes or cables, or via sumps or drains. Winter is the ideal time to test for radon because windows and doors are kept closed more often. The public health unit is recommending residents use a long-term test that measures exposure for at least three months. In order to obtain most accurate results from testing, the device must be placed in the lowest level of the home where homeowners spend a minimum of four hours per day.
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Information on radon and Health Canada-approved tests can be found at takeactiononradon.caor by calling public health at 1-888-221-2133 ext. 3670.
“Once you know the levels of radon in your home, you can take steps to lessen the risks and protect your health,” Merrifield said.
Health Canada recommends taking action to lower the radon levels in your home if it is higher than 200 Bq/m. According to the Take Action website, this can be done by having a certified radon mitigator install an active soil depressurization system. This system works by sucking air from beneath the foundation of a home and exhausting it outside. Taking Action notes that radon mitigation systems can cost from $3,000 to $11,000.
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