There is a false belief held by a few people that our Island is exempt from Radon Gas.  Some will point to mapping that shows the Province to have low occurrences and some early studies that gave a false sense of security regarding its prevalence.  Some studies will suggest that only eight % of properties tested above  Health Canada's recommended level of 200 Bq/m3. Only 8% ?  That leaves almost one in ten tested properties with elevated levels.  If one in ten vehicles on the road had faulty brakes, or one out of every ten bridges could potentially collapse it would be all over the media.

The Canadian Lung Associations website states : " Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada. Radon exposure is estimated to be the cause of 16% of lung cancers. Radon decays quickly, giving off tiny radioactive particles. When inhaled, these radioactive particles can damage the cells that line the lung. Long-term exposure to radon can lead to lung cancer.

If you live in a building with high radon levels or if you spend a lot of time in one, you are at higher risk for lung cancer.

If you smoke and you live in a home with a high level of radon, you are at an even higher risk for lung cancer."

  Radon Gas is a known carcinogen and it is known to exist in our homes and public buildings on PEI, yet it is rarely mentioned in the media.  We choose to look for other cause of our elevated Cancer levels on Prince Edward Island such as pesticides and other factors.  How many of those suggesting we have certain chemicals banned have actually tested their homes or workplaces for Radon ? 

A radon test is simple and inexpensive, so why are people so hesitant to test?  Ideally every single building where people breathe the air for a good portion of their day should be tested.  This includes our schools and workplaces, but a great place to start is your home.

This is a threat that can very easily be reduced.  For some reason we are reluctant to do it, and reluctant to spread the word about the dangers.

Winter is always a bit slower on our Island  Shorter days and longer nights usually mean we spend more time indoors, and our homes are usually sealed tightly against the weather.  It is time enjoyed with family, somewhere safe and warm.  We may also be contributing to a situation none of us would intentionally do.  When we seal our homes against the winter weather we could be allowing dangerous levels of Radon Gas to build up within our homes.  

Winter is the best time to test for Radon Gas.  Health Canada recommends a long term test of more than 90 days be done to avoid false high and low levels.  Radon levels will fluctuate within your home day to day and even hour to hour.

Because Radon Gas comes from Uranium in the soil, it will always be present at some level where Uranium exists.  The only way to protect your family is to test your home.  Many homes have very low levels and may not require any corrective actions.  Some however will have elevated levels and will require some form of mitigation.  Without testing you can't know how safe your home is. 

Testing is easy and inexpensive.  Think of it as peace of mind.  That is priceless !