Although there is still a high percentage of the Canadian population that is not aware of Radon or its associated health risks, awareness has been increasing in recent years.

It is crucial to know how radon gas affects human health. According to Statistics Canada, 7% of homes have high levels of radon. This is of particular concern as radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking, and accounts for 16% of lung cancer deaths, or 3,200 deaths, in Canada every year. The radioactive radon particles in the air can get lodged in our lung tissues when they are inhaled. The energy released by the radioactive particles then damages the lung cells.

If you are thinking that this cannot happen in your building, think again.  Although the home is a common source of significant exposure, radon can represent a hazard in any building particularly in areas with high natural radon levels or in basements or areas with limited air circulation.  Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive gas that is formed by the breakdown of naturally-occurring uranium in soil, rock and water.  It can find its way into nearly any building and can build-up in enclosed spaces.  Radon enters buildings through the foundation or drinking water system and tends to be found at the highest concentrations at lower levels of a building, particularly below ground level.  And it is undetectable by human senses.  The only way to determine if this risk exists in your space is to test your home or office.

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