Radon Risk Rising in Canadian Homes; Experts Urge Testing, Mitigation

A growing body of research and recent reporting from News highlights the serious health threat posed by radon gas in homes across Canada, prompting calls from doctors and scientists for more testing and mitigation. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that enters buildings from the soil and can accumulate to dangerous levels indoors without any noticeable smell, taste or colour.

Health experts say that radon exposure is a leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and contributes to thousands of deaths annually in Canada. According to public health commentary associated with the News coverage, an estimated about 3,200 Canadians die each year from radon-induced lung cancers, making it a significant public health concern.

Radon levels vary widely across regions and homes, and only testing can determine whether indoor concentrations exceed recommended limits. Health Canada’s guideline suggests that homes should aim for radon levels below 200 Becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m³), and if measured above that level, action should be taken to lower it. Homeowners are encouraged to use long-term testing kits, ideally over several months, to get an accurate representation of their typical radon levels.

When testing reveals elevated radon, mitigation systems can be highly effective in reducing concentrations. The most common approach, called active soil depressurization, uses a fan and piping system to draw radon from beneath the home’s foundation and vent it outside, often reducing indoor levels by more than 80 per cent. Sealing cracks in floors and walls and improving ventilation also helps lower radon entry points.

Experts recommend hiring certified mitigation professionals to ensure systems are correctly installed, and they note that improving air quality through radon reduction can also preserve a home’s value and protect occupants’ long-term health. Despite these options, many homeowners remain unaware of radon risks or delay testing and mitigation, underscoring the need for continued public awareness and support for testing initiatives.