- November 12, 2024
- Posted by: Chris Croft
- Categories: News, Radon Testing
In this post you’ll learn about what radon is, why it matters, and what you can do to protect yourself, especially in areas like Chatham-Kent, Sarnia, London and Windsor-Essex County, where radon risks can be higher due to the geology of the region.
What Is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that forms when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless, which makes it impossible to detect without specialized testing. Radon can enter buildings through cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, and other openings, accumulating to dangerous levels over time, especially in basements and lower levels of homes and buildings.
Why Is Radon Dangerous?
Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon can cause lung cancer. In fact, radon is responsible for an estimated 16% of lung cancer deaths in Canada, claiming about 3,200 lives each year. The risk of developing lung cancer from radon increases dramatically for smokers, but even non-smokers can be affected by long-term radon exposure.
Unlike other household hazards, radon doesn’t cause immediate symptoms, which makes it even more dangerous. People can live in a home with high radon levels for years without knowing they are at risk. That’s why it’s crucial to test for radon and take action if elevated levels are found.
Radon in Your Home
How does radon get in your home? Radon, gas moves up through the ground and can enter buildings in several ways:
- Cracks in the foundation
- Gaps around service pipes
- Floor drains or sump pump openings
- Crawlspaces
- Construction joints
Once inside, radon can become trapped, especially in well-sealed, energy-efficient homes. Over time, the gas can accumulate to dangerous levels, particularly in basements, where people spend a lot of time.
How Common Is Radon in Chatham-Kent, Sarnia, London and Windsor-Essex County?
In Chatham-Kent, Sarnia, London and the surrounding areas of Windsor-Essex County, the geology of the region increases the likelihood of higher radon levels. The soil in these areas contains natural deposits of uranium, which break down to produce radon gas. As a result, homes and buildings in these regions are more susceptible to radon infiltration. Health Canada recommends that all homes be tested for radon, especially in areas known for higher radon risks.
What Can You Do About Radon?
The good news is that radon is easy to detect and manage with the right approach. Here’s what you can do:
- Test Your Home for Radon: Testing is the only way to know if radon is present in your home or workplace. Radon test kits are available for purchase, or you can hire a professional to conduct a more comprehensive test. Long-term radon tests (conducted over a few months) provide the most accurate reading, as radon levels can fluctuate based on weather and seasons.
- Mitigate Radon if Necessary: If elevated radon levels (above 200 Bq/m³, as per Health Canada guidelines) are detected, there are several methods to reduce radon in your home. Radon mitigation systems can be installed to lower radon levels, typically involving the installation of a sub-slab depressurization system that vents radon gas safely outside the home.
- Seal Cracks and Openings: One simple step to reduce radon entry is to seal cracks and gaps in your foundation, floors, and walls. While this won’t eliminate radon completely, it can help reduce the amount that enters your home.
- Ventilate Crawlspaces and Basements: Improving ventilation in crawlspaces and basements can help dilute radon gas concentrations. Installing fans or improving air exchange can help move radon out of your home more efficiently.
Why Radon Testing and Mitigation Is Part of What We Do
At IES Consulting Group, we are committed to creating safer, healthier environments for homes and businesses. Radon testing and mitigation is an important part of our environmental assessment services, especially in areas like Chatham-Kent, Sarnia, London and Windsor-Essex County, where radon risks can be higher. By helping homeowners and businesses detect and reduce radon levels, we contribute to the health and well-being of our communities.
Contact Us Today
Contact IES Consulting Group to schedule a radon test and ensure your home or business in Chatham-Kent, Sarnia, London, Windsor-Essex County, or surrounding areas is safe from radon risks. We’re here to help you breathe easier—literally!
