Did you know that radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers? This post is from Lisa Gue, Senior researcher and analyst at the David Suzuki Foundation. Radon wasn’t even on my radar.
Radon has been called “the unfamiliar killer”. Most Canadians have never heard of radon, even though it kills more people each year than traffic accidents and is responsible for up to 16 per cent of lung cancer deaths in Canada. That’s more than 3,000 preventable deaths in Canada last year alone!
Radon is formed through the natural decay of uranium in rocks and soils. It can seep into homes and accumulate, reaching high levels indoors and exposing our families to harm we can’t see.
Our new report shows that we need to strengthen Canada’s guideline for radon to match leading international standards and World Health Organization recommendations.
Testing is the only way to know whether you have a radon problem in your home. The good news? It’s not hard to test your home for radon.
Radon detectors are available for $30 to $60 from some hardware stores, businesses specializing in radon detection and mitigation, the Radiation Safety Institute and Lung Associations across Canada.
If tests results show your home has elevated radon levels, consult a certified radon professional for advice on mitigation options.