Radon gas; the hidden hazard

For many Eastern Ontario homeowners, protecting their families means installing smoke alarms, checking carbon monoxide detectors and maintaining furnaces. But public health experts say there's another invisible danger that often goes unnoticed-radon gas.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released as uranium breaks down in soil and bedrock. It has no colour, smell or taste, making it impossible to detect without specialized testing. According to Health Canada, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Trevor Scisson, a certified plumber got into becoming certified in radon testing and mitigation after having his own area home tested. The results shocked him.

Eastern Ontario's landscape includes large areas of granite and other uranium-bearing rock formations. While geology alone doesn't determine whether a home has elevated radon, these natural conditions increase the potential for higher indoor concentrations. Almost one in five Eastern Ontario and Quebec homes exceed Health Canada's action level for radon gas.
Health Canada stresses that neighbouring homes can have dramatically different radon levels, even if they were built at the same time and share similar designs. The only way to know whether a home has elevated radon is to test it. Newer certified digital testers are now available at most hardware chains for less than $200 and will give you accurate readings within 24 hours. Lab test models are much cheaper (less than $50) but take longer to collect data and require professional lab testing to get the results.

The most common professional mitigation method involves installing a fan and vent pipe beneath the home's foundation slab, although there are DIY steps that involve sealing any basement wall and floor cracks and sump-pump pits. Scisson notes there may be financial assistance available, if a full system is needed.

The Canadian Lung Association website at lung.ca has all the details and you can find out more about testing and mitigation services from Scisson at radonhero.ca.

Story by: Brian Turner