Health Canada published its final report on a two year cross-country survey of radon levels in homes. Almost 14,000 homes were successfully tested in 121 Health Regions across Canada. The results indicate that 6.9% of Canadians are living in homes with radon levels above Health Canada’s guideline of 200 Bq/m3, with a higher incidence of high radon levels in Manitoba, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon. The study noted that every province has areas of high radon levels and a significant number of homes with radon concentrations above the guideline.
Radon is an invisible, odourless, naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter buildings through foundation cracks and similar unsealed openings. Long-term exposure to high concentrations of radon may lead to lung cancer – particularly if someone in your home is a smoker. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
