Health Canada has listed the presence of an odourless gas called radon as a concern that homeowners should test for, due to its link to cancer. They suggest it can be an issue in both newer and older homes alike. To learn more about radon and radon testing please call 1-866-225-0709 or visit Health Canada website at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/radon.
Did you know…
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking – and the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. Test your home to ensure you and your family is safe.
Since you can’t smell, taste, or see radon gas which is present in most homes, how can you make sure your home is safe? The only way to know for sure is to purchase a test kit and measure the level of radon in your home.
Is it really worth testing for this gas, you might be wondering? Absolutely.
Your risk of developing lung cancer due to radon depends on its concentration in the air you breathe and the duration of the exposure. Time between exposure and the onset of cancer is usually many years – all the more reason to test sooner rather than later.
For smokers, the exposure to radon combined with tobacco use can cause a significant increase in their risk of lung cancer.
Radon is present in the soil and escapes from the ground and gets into the air. When this happens outdoors, the air is diluted to low concentrations and doesn’t pose a risk. The problem occurs when radon enters enclosed spaces, like your home, and accumulates to high levels, contaminating the air you breathe. Levels can vary from one home to the next, even if they are close by.
Radon testing kits may be purchased over the phone, on the internet or from home improvement retailers. The cost of testing ranges from $25 to $75.
For more valuable information about radon, and how to test your home, see Health Canada’s Web site, at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/radon. It’s a great resource that can walk you through the necessary steps to take should you want to know whether your home is a radon risk.