Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer next to smoking. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, 16 per cent of lung cancer deaths are related to Radon; this relates to approximately 3,000 deaths per year in Canada alone.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colourless, odorless, and tasteless.

Radon is formed from the breakdown of uranium and radium, and is largely located in soil, rock and water where it can be released into the atmosphere (including homes).

Indoors generally have much higher levels of radon than outdoors, and a person who is exposed to elevated levels over an extended period of time has a higher probability of developing lung cancer.

Health Canada recommends that homes with indoor radon levels above 200 Becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m3) should mitigate to reduce levels.

The World Health Organization (WHO), a United Nation’s division, recommends having radon levels less than 100 Bq/m3.

It is important to note that though different governing bodies have different recommended exposure limits, the lower the amount of radon a person is exposed to, the less likely they are of developing radon-induced lung cancer.

Individuals have the choice to mitigate any radon level to further reduce the risk of radon-induced lung cancer.

Test kits may be purchased from a hardware store or local authority. These test kits, however, may have a measurement bias if the kits are expired or have been unknowingly stored in an area with elevated radon levels prior to distribution.

C-NRPP certified Radon Measurement Professionals can also provide testing; this is the most accurate way to go as it ensures more consistent test results due to their quality control and quality assurance protocols.