What is Radon and Why Should You Care?

Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that poses a serious health risk to millions of Canadians. Despite being completely undetectable without proper testing equipment, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, responsible for over 3,000 deaths annually in Canada alone.

What Exactly is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium in soil, rock, and water breaks down. It's present everywhere in the environment at low levels, but becomes dangerous when it accumulates in enclosed spaces like homes and buildings.

The gas moves up through the ground and into your home through cracks and openings in the foundation. Once inside, it can build up to dangerous levels, especially in lower areas like basements and crawl spaces.

Why is Radon Dangerous?

When radon gas is inhaled, radioactive particles become trapped in your lungs. Over time, these particles damage lung tissue and can lead to lung cancer. The risk increases with:

Higher radon concentrations in your home
Longer exposure periods
Smoking (which dramatically increases risk)
Individual sensitivity to radiation

Radon in Calgary

Calgary and many areas of Alberta have naturally higher radon levels due to the geological composition of the region. Health Canada estimates that approximately 7% of Canadian homes exceed the acceptable radon level of 200 Bq/m³, but in some areas of Alberta, this percentage can be significantly higher.

Common Entry Points

Radon typically enters homes through:

Cracks in foundation walls and floors
Gaps around pipes and electrical penetrations
Floor drains and sump pump openings
Construction joints
Well water (less common but possible)

The Good News

While radon is a serious health concern, it's completely manageable. Professional radon testing can determine if your home has elevated levels, and proven mitigation techniques can effectively reduce radon concentrations to safe levels.