You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it, but radon gas might be in your home, posing a risk to your family’s health. The only way to know if radon levels are high is to test – and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health is encouraging residents to do just that. The winter months are ideal for the three-month test recommended by Health Canada because windows and doors are typically kept closed.
“Even though radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada, the majority of people do not know about this gas,” says Dr. Nicola Mercer, medical officer of health. “Public health is working to raise public awareness that winter is the ideal time to test their homes for this hidden danger.”
An estimated 11 per cent of homes in the Wellington, Dufferin, and Guelph areas have radon above the 200Bq/m3 guideline, based on a recent Health Canada study.
“The only way to know if your home has high radon levels is to test,” says Shawn Zentner, Manager of Health Protection. “Age and location of your home can’t be used to predict radon levels.”
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada, responsible for about 16% of new cases. The risk is long-term and depends on the level of radon, how long a person’s exposed to it, and the person’s smoking habits.
Radon gas is produced naturally from the breakdown of uranium in the ground. It can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation, spaces around pipes, and other openings. That’s why the test should be done at the lowest level of the home where occupants spend more than four hours per day. If test results show radon levels above the Canadian guideline, consult with a professional contractor for advice. The cost to reduce radon in a home typically ranges from $500 to $3,000.
For more information, visit: http://www.wdgpublichealth.ca/?q=radon.
