How Seasonal Changes Affect Radon Levels and Mold in the Air

Posted in Radon Testing, on April 04, 2025

Many things in our environment change with the rise and fall of the seasons. Air quality testing in Toronto can help you monitor these changes and help you understand their effect on your health and wellness. At SafeAir, we help families assess their indoor living environment through things like radon testing and mold inspection in Toronto. As temperature and humidity fluctuate, so too does your indoor air quality, for better or for worse. Learn more about the effect this has on your comfort and wellness in today’s article. 

How Seasonal Changes Affect Radon Levels

A change in temperature can affect radon levels more than you think. Radon gas, which occurs naturally in the ground across Southern Ontario, can build up in the lower levels of homes through cracks and gaps in our foundation. This gas is radioactive and causes cellular damage and changes to the human respiratory system when breathed in, making it the second-most leading cause of cancer after tobacco smoking. 

During the winter months, radon has the potential to become concentrated in our homes due to restricted ventilation. Spring and fall can cause radon to fluctuate as the ground freezes and thaws and as air pressure changes. Regardless of the season, radon gas is a serious hazard to your family’s health, and every home should have radon testing to determine if you’re at risk. 

How Seasonal Changes Influence Mold Growth in the Air

Heat and humidity affect mold growth as well. Mold is a living fungus that plays a vital role in the natural world. In our homes, however, it will eat through wood, textiles, paper, and the material that makes up our home, causing structural damage. The other primary affect of living with mold growth is health-based. Mold spores can be breathed in and may settle on our skin, hair, and eyes, causing a range of symptoms that often mimic the common cold or flu. But unlike the flu, these sniffles, headaches, and coughing don’t fade! Mold exposure may not sound serious, but it can affect all aspects of our lives, from sleep to the immune system. 

As the air warms, it carries with it more moisture, which can spark or feed a mold colony. When the air is drier, such as during the winter, mold may grow more slowly, but it can still thrive because of our heated homes and the reduced airflow during the cold season. Spring and fall storms, floods, and dampness are one of the most common triggers for mold inspection in Toronto — keep your eyes peeled on the basement or attic, two of the most commonly affected spaces. 

The Health Risks of Radon and Mold Exposure

The risks posed by both radon gas and mold growth are one of the reasons SafeAir exists! Safe and healthy indoor air quality is something we all need to grow and thrive, and long-term exposure to either of these substances can have serious consequences. 

Radon gas is odourless and colourless. It leaves no residue either, so without professional radon testing, you are unable to detect it using your senses. There are no short-term symptoms either, which makes it essential to monitor and test your home for radon gas now because when symptoms appear, it’s usually too late. 

As we already mentioned, allergic reactions from mold growth are annoying and can have profound effects in other areas of your life, too. Some types of mold pack a bigger punch, however, producing mycotoxins that can have a negative impact on the brain and organs. Because mold growth can be hidden behind walls or under insulation, having your home tested for mold can alert you to these hidden infestations and help you get them under control. 

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Indoor Air Quality Year-Round

While radon gas and mold growth sound exceptional, they’re unfortunately common problems across Toronto. The good news is that there are many things homeowners can do today to help reduce their risk and improve their indoor air quality. Some of the SafeAir team’s favourite tips are: 

• Increasing ventilation and airflow year-round. 
• Using a dehumidifier to reduce airborne moisture. 
• Monitoring humidity levels. 
• Changing furnace filters regularly to capture spores. 
• Testing for radon and implementing mitigation strategies. 

SafeAir’s mission is to help families live healthier, safer lives at home through professional and reliable indoor air quality testing in Toronto. We’re here to answer your questions, walk you through our testing protocols, help you understand the results, and manage any surprises along the way. To learn more and speak to our technicians, contact SafeAir today. 

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