Why You Should Test Your Home for Radon

Posted in Mold, on July 13, 2020

As more homeowners become more aware of it, radon testing in Toronto is becoming one of the most sought after air quality tests in the GTA. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes up through the earth. In open-air it naturally dissipates, but it becomes a serious health concern when it seeps into buildings and builds up to toxic levels. Checking your home for radon gas is important - at least 7% of homes across Canada test above Health Canada guidelines, with some municipalities and neighbourhoods testing at 15% or above. 

Why Should I Worry About Radon?

If you’ve never heard of radon, you might be wondering - what’s the big deal? The answer is simple - a home radon test may save your life. Health Canada estimates that 10% of all lung cancer cases are caused by radon gas and lists it as the second most leading cause of lung cancers after tobacco smoking. If you’re a regular smoker, your cancer risk increases exponentially, since most radon-related cancers develop in smokers. These figures feel even scarier when you try to look for radon in your home. 

How to Know Radon Gas is in My Home?

The only way to know if your home is affected by radon gas is to do radon testing. Radon is colourless, odourless, and tasteless - you’ll never see evidence of it, smell it, or even know it’s building up inside your home. The only way to know it’s present is to perform a long term home radon test. 

What Can I Do About Radon Gas?

Homes the length and breadth of Canada are affected by radon gas buildup, so simply finding local statistics isn’t helpful - homes on the same block can be affected quite differently. The best way to determine if radon gas is affecting your home is to have professional radon testing. At SafeAir we recommend a long term test at least 3 months long - while DIY testing kits are available, our expertise ensures that the test is placed in the ideal location to get the most accurate readings possible.

SafeAir Radon Testing

If unsafe levels of radon are detected in your home, SafeAir can help you make changes that will keep you and your family safe from the effects of radon buildup. Radon can be solved by sealing foundation cracks, capping sump pumps, or installing de-pressurization fans, but an accurate, professional radon test is the first step. For more information about radon gas in Toronto and our radon testing program, give us a call at 416-414-5690.