The Known Risks Associated With Radon

The only known health risk associated with exposure to high levels of radon in indoor air is an increased lifetime risk of developing lung cancer. The risk from radon exposure is long term and depends on the level of radon, how long a person is exposed and their smoking habits. If you are a smoker and are exposed to elevated levels of radon your risk of developing lung cancer increases significantly.

On average, 16% of lung cancer deaths are attributable to radon exposure in Canada. In 2006, an estimated 1,900 lung cancer deaths in Canada were due to radon exposure. Radon is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking.

Other than lung cancer, there is no evidence that radon exposure causes other harmful health effects such as any other form of cancer, respiratory diseases such as asthma, or symptoms such as persistent coughing or headaches.

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I am a smoker. Does radon affect me more than a non-smoker?

Yes. The risk from radon exposure for a smoker (including those exposed to second hand smoke) is much greater than for a non-smoker. For example, if you are a lifelong smoker but are not exposed to radon, your risk of getting lung cancer is one in ten. If you add exposure to a high level of radon, your risk becomes one in three. On the other hand, if you are a non-smoker, your lifetime lung cancer risk at the same high radon level is only one in twenty.

What about drinking water that contains radon?

Research has shown that drinking water that contains radon is far less harmful than breathing radon. When the ground produces radon, it can dissolve and accumulate in water from underground sources, such as wells. When water that contains radon is agitated when used for daily household requirements radon gas escapes from the water and goes into the air. The health risk is not from ingestion but from radon inhalation.

I don't have a basement. Do I still need to test my house for radon?

Radon can get into a house from anywhere that the house is in contact with the ground, regardless or whether your house has a basement, a crawl space or is built slab-on grade.

What can i do if I find elevated levels of Radon in my home?

If radon levels are high, a certified radon professional can reduce the radon level in your home. Health Canada’s recommended limit is 200 Bcq/m3. 
Read more: http://www.cancer.ca/en/prevention-and-screening/be-aware/harmful-substances-and-environmental-risks/radon/?region=on#ixzz3g9EByGkK

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Radon is a serious threat to your family.  Please test your home.

Q. Why a long term test? 
A.  A short term test will tell you how much Radon was present at the time of testing.  Because Radon levels fluctuate, a short term test can result in false positives or negatives.

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