- November 20, 2024
- Posted by: Chris Croft
- Categories: News, Radon Testing
In this post, you’ll learn what radon levels are associated with cancer risk, Health Canada’s recommended action levels, and steps you can take to ensure a safe environment for you and your family.
What is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally as uranium breaks down in soil, rock, and water. While it’s invisible, odorless, and tasteless, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second overall cause after smoking. Long-term exposure to high radon levels increases the risk of lung cancer, making it essential to understand what levels are considered unsafe and why testing is crucial for every home and workplace.
What Radon Levels Are Considered Unsafe?
Radon levels are measured in becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m³) in Canada and in picocuries per liter (pCi/L) in the United States. Health Canada considers any radon level at or above 200 Bq/m³ to be unsafe and advises homeowners to take steps to reduce levels below this threshold.
How Radon Causes Cancer
Radon itself is not directly harmful until it begins to decay. As radon decays, it releases radioactive particles, called radon progeny, which attach to dust particles and are easily inhaled into the lungs. Once in the lungs, these particles continue to break down, releasing radiation that damages the cells in the lung lining. This cellular damage over time increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
The risk of cancer depends on both the radon level and the duration of exposure. High levels, even for a short period, are dangerous, but prolonged exposure, even to moderate levels, can also lead to significant health risks. Here’s a closer look:
- Long-term exposure to levels over 200 Bq/m³ poses a substantial risk. Health Canada estimates that for every 100 people exposed to 200 Bq/m³ over a lifetime, about one person would develop lung cancer.
- At 800 Bq/m³, the risk of developing lung cancer increases dramatically; for every 100 people exposed to this level, 5-6 individuals may develop lung cancer.
What Increases Radon-Related Cancer Risk?
Some factors can increase the risk of cancer due to radon exposure:
- Duration of Exposure: The longer you’re exposed to high radon levels, the higher the cancer risk. Continuous exposure in homes, where people spend the most time, contributes significantly to overall risk.
- Smoking: Smokers have an even higher risk of lung cancer from radon, as the effects of radon and tobacco smoke are compounded.
- Age and Health Conditions: Younger individuals exposed to high radon levels face a lifetime of risk, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions may be more vulnerable.
Should You Test for Radon?
Testing is the only way to know the radon level in a building. Since radon gas comes from the ground, it can affect any structure, regardless of age or location. Health Canada recommends radon testing in all homes, schools, and workplaces, especially in regions where radon levels are known to be higher, such as Windsor-Essex County and Chatham-Kent.
Contact Us Today
At IES Consulting Group, we provide radon testing and mitigation services to help residents in Windsor-Essex County and Chatham-Kent ensure their homes and workplaces are safe.
Contact us today to learn more or schedule a radon test to protect your health and peace of mind. Or visit our site at IES Consulting Group for more details on our environmental consulting services.
