Huron Perth residents are being reminded this month that a serious health risk could be lurking in their homes, and they might never know it without a test.
Radon is a radioactive gas released by the decay of naturally occurring uranium in the soil and rocks. Radon exists at low levels in many homes, but Health Canada estimates that about one in ten homes in some parts of Ontario have radon levels above the recommended limit.
Dana Merrifield, Public Health Inspector at Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH), warned that breathing high levels of radon over time is the second leading cause of lung cancer, with certain populations like smokers, at high risk.
"As radon can seep into a building from the ground, that's our main route of exposure, especially people in colder climates during seasons where the homes are more sealed, especially in Canada," she shared. "As well, people who spend more time in basements, pregnant people and kids."
Officials say testing is the only way to find out if a home has a problem. Long-term test kits are easy to use and available locally or online.
"A person cannot just sense radon," Merrifield added. "It's invisible and odourless, so you must test for it."
Long-term test kits are the best way to measure radon levels for more accurate results, and winter is the ideal time, as doors and windows are usually closed. The tests measure levels over three months, in the lowest level of the home where people are present for at least four hours a day.
“If you test and find radon levels above the Canadian guideline of 200 Bq/m3, work with a certified radon mitigation specialist to implement strategies to reduce radon in your home,” she explained.
If radon levels are too high, she said homeowners can take steps to protect their with various mitigation methods.
"Active soil depressurization. It's like a RADON Mitigation fan system, essentially. And that's a really great way to mitigate radon levels. That's what we call the gold standard," she pointed out. "And other ways to mitigate radon entering your home is the sealing of any major foundation cracks, and then, sump pumps and lids."
Visit the Take Action on Radon website, www.takeactiononradon.ca, to find Health Canada-approved tests, or call HPPH at 1-888-221-2133 ext. 3670.
