Radon gas tests can help save the lives of Canadian homeowners

Did you know that radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers? It causes 3,200 Canadian deaths each year. Equally shocking is the fact that this radioactive gas can enter your home, undetected. A silent killer, radon can seep through cracks and gaps in the foundation floors, walls, windows, and doors of your property. Radon gas tests are essential to keeping your home free of this invisible threat. They accurately detect how much of this radioactive gas is inside your property so you can take the proper precautions. Each year, hundreds of Canadians depend on AmeriSpec for our professional Radon Testing service. November is Radon Action Month. Established by the Take Action on Radon organization, they will again be championing radon awareness across Canada. It’s an unfortunate truth that many homeowners are completely unaware of the harmful impact that radon can have on their health and the health of their families. In response to this knowledge gap, Take Action on Radon has been working diligently to ensure that home and commercial property owners know about the silent danger that radon poses. There has never been a better time to learn about the invisible threat of radon and what you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your assets.

What is radon gas?

Radon is an entirely odourless, colourless, and tasteless radioactive gas. It occurs naturally due to the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock in Canada. When radon breaks down in the soil and seeps into the atmosphere, it generally has no negative effect on society. Inside homes, it’s an immediate health risk to your family. It’s important to note that radon is more prevalent in some Canadian provinces compared to others. According to Statistics Canada, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and parts of British Columbia and Quebec have the highest levels of radon. However, this isn’t to say radon isn’t present in all provinces or all areas of Canada. Without radon testing, there is no way to know if a home has radon inside. Even houses side by side can have different levels of radon.

What is Take Action on Radon doing to help?

Health Canada funds Take Action on Radon. The organization raises awareness about the harmful impacts of radon gas. They actively inform Canadians on the steps required to properly address radon within homes. This institution has brought together key players within the radon industry. This includes the Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (CARST), CAREX Canada, and the Canadian Cancer Society. This November, Take Action on Radon’s Radon Action Month is utilizing social media to remind everybody about the important steps people should take to ensure their homes remain radon safe. In the meantime, you can visit their website to listen in on a previous question-and-answer session from certified radon specialists. Medical professionals, researchers and radon mitigation professionals joined together to discuss everything radon related.

Radon gas tests: Know the facts on radon

Radon seeps through cracks into the basements or lower levels of homes. From here, it spreads throughout homes via heating and ventilation systems. Pressure level differences between your home and the outdoor air can draw in harmful radon gas. Essentially, radon can enter through any part of your home that is in direct contact with the soil outside. This includes sump pumps, cracked pipes, broken flooring, or cracks in your home’s foundation. It’s important to remember that even new homes can experience high levels of radon, not just older homes. Importantly, a small amount of radon inside a home isn’t harmful. However, increased levels and subsequent long-term radon exposure is. An AmeriSpec Radon Test accurately informs homeowners about their current radon levels, when it’s dangerous, and what they need to do to manage their own situation.

How common is radon in homes across Canada?

Home radon concerns have risen over the last 10 years or so. It’s estimated that close to one in 15 houses have dangerous levels of radon. This causes many Canadians to become sick and potentially die from long-term radon exposure. It’s always best to know for certain whether you have dangerous levels of radon inside your property. For your peace of mind and continued safety, we recommend booking an AmeriSpec Radon Test at your earliest convenience.

Why are radon gas tests so important?

It’s important to note that extended radon exposure can seriously harm your lungs. It deteriorates the lining of your lungs, eventually causing lung cancer. Pairing radon with indoor tobacco use increases the risk even more. This can seriously harm your health and even lead to death. Radon is a silent killer, and some families could become sick without even knowing that they have been exposed to radon. Several side effects of long-term radon exposure include:
  • Shortness of breath
  • Ongoing coughs
  • Reduced appetite
  • Repeated respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia
  • Chest and lung pain
  • Difficulty breathing, even outside the home
  • Lung cancer

When you need a radon gas test, choose the professionals at AmeriSpec

Accurate radon gas tests can only be achieved by specialized equipment. It’s the only way to truly test whether there is too much of this radioactive gas inside your home. AmeriSpec is one of the leading providers of Radon Testing in Canada. Have your home tested as soon as possible and address any harmful radon gas levels before it’s too late. Find your local inspector, discover whether they offer Radon Testing, and book your next home visit.