Is Radon Bad For Me and My Family's Health?

When this gas is inhaled into your lungs, the radioactive particles attach to lung tissue, damaging the cells as the particles release energy. When the cells become damaged, your body naturally attempts to repair itself, increasing cancer risk. According to Canada's Government , the lifetime lung cancer risk when exposed to radon's high levels is one in twenty. For active tobacco smokers, the risk increases to one in three compared to those who are only lifelong smokers and not exposed to radon, which is one in ten. Since the severity of exposure impacts cancer risk, homes and other enclosed spaces could present a radon risk to you and your family if not addressed.

How Does Radon Get Into My Home?

Radon can enter a home through cracks in a home's foundation, openings in concrete slabs, stone or brick, floor-wall joins, drainage or service pipes, window casements, wall joints, sump pumps , and well water . In these cases, gases will enter your home because the air pressure inside is lower than that of the surrounding soil.

What Level of Radon Requires Mitigation?

Radon gas is generally measured in Becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m3). In the US, radon is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). In 2009, the World Health Organization established policies to reduce health risks associated with radon. The WHO suggests that the annual average concentration level of radon should not exceed 100 Bq/m3. The level of radon can differ geographically and should never exceed 300 Bq/m3. With this, each nation sets individual guidelines. For instance, Canadian guidelines suggest that radon concentrations stay below 200 Bq/m3 . They also suggest that testing be conducted through long term tests for a minimum of three months. The US EPA has set an "action level" for radon in homes at four pCi/L , equivalent to 148 Bq/m3 . Amendments to building codes have been implemented in North America and Europe to reduce radon levels when renovating and building new homes. However, it is still the homeowner's responsibility to test for and detect potential radon issues to ensure their home is at or below the acceptable level.

What Are Recommended Radon Testing Products?

There are many options for radon testing at home. Below we will explore three different options to help you make a decision based on your home's specific needs. They are: The Airthings Wave Plus smart indoor air quality monitor The Safety Siren Pro Series 4 Radon Gas Detector, and The AccuStar Alpha Track Long Term Radon Test

How Can Radon Be Removed From Your Home?

There are many radon mitigation strategies. Some can be DIY, and some require professional help. Seal any areas where air can pass through the basement slab - at wall joints, around pipes and sump pumps, and any cracks you can find. Have a professional install piping from underneath your basement slab with a fan that vents under-slab gasses directly out the side or the roof of your home. This method is called Active Sub-Slab Depressurization . Apply a radon sealing product, like RadonSeal , that you or a professional can coat your basement's concrete slab with. Consider installing an HRV or ERV in the basement so that you have a constant source of fresh air. This method can reduce radon in your home by 25 to 50% but doesn't eliminate the problem's source.

Radon Gas: What Is It and How to Test for It at Home