Radon is a radioactive gas that that can build up inside any home. You cannot see, smell, or taste it, so the only way to know if it is in your home is to test for it.
Every home should be tested for radon, regardless of where it is located or whether it is new or old, large or small. Testing is simple and could help protect your family's health. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon increases the risk of developing lung cancer. The risk depends on how much radon is present and long a person is exposed to it.
What is radon and how am I exposed to it?
Radon is a radioactive gas that can build up inside your home and affect your health. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon can increase your risk of lung cancer.
Radon enters your home through openings that contact the ground, such as cracks in the foundation and sump pump drains. Radon levels are often higher in basements and other lower areas of a home, but higher levels can occur anywhere.
Outside, the risk of radon exposure is lower because the radon disperses into the air.
How do I test for it?
You can borrow a free radon screening test from participating libraries. These digital radon detectors can be used for short-term screening and can help identify whether radon may be present in your home.
Radon screening test kits are available at:
If the screening results suggest elevated radon levels, following up with a long-term test is recommended. The best time of year to test for radon is during the fall and winter, when homes are typically closed up.
You can purchase a do-it-yourself kit (refer to Take Action on Radon for Health Canada-approved tests) or hire a certified radon professional.
My radon levels are high. What should I do?
If radon levels in your home are above the Canadian guideline of 200 Bq/m3 (becquerels per cubic meter), contact a certified radon professional to help reduce the radon level in your home.
If your home is seven years old or newer, radon mitigation may be covered under the Ontario New Home Warranty and Protection Plan. The Tarion Home Warranty may cover the cost of radon mitigation in eligible new homes.
Financial assistance for radon mitigation may also be available through the Canadian Lung Association for eligible home owners.
For more information about reducing radon in your home, visit Health Canada.
What if I smoke?
Your risk of lung cancer is much higher if you smoke and are exposed to radon. One of the best ways to reduce your risk is to quit smoking.
Thinking about quitting but not sure where to start? Visit Smokers' Helpline or our Thinking About Quitting page for information, support and resources to help you quit smoking.
