Ontario home warranty agency encourages Canadians to radon test for Lung Cancer Awareness

Ontario's home warranty agency, Tarion, is reminding Canadian homeowners to test for excessive radon exposure this winter for Radon Action Month, timed to coincide with Lung Cancer Awareness Month. 

A naturally occurring gas that forms when radioactive metals break down in rocks, soil, or groundwater, radon is undetectable without proper testing. While new homes are built to be airtight for Canadian winter, this means radon becomes increasingly saturated over time when the gas can’t escape through naturally-formed cracks. 

“The fall and winter months are often the best time for homeowners to test for radon because that’s when our houses tend to be sealed with windows and doors shut from the cold air,” said Peter Balasubramanian, President and Chief Executive Officer at Tarion in a press release. “If radon levels are high, the good news is that the Ontario warranty and protection plan includes coverage for remediation of excessive radon levels and new homeowners should work with their builder to address it.”

Radon is only a concern if its levels are above 200 becquerels per cubic metre, Health Canada's set limit. 

“We urge new homeowners to test their home for radon starting this November – ahead of winter months when we spend so much time indoors,” said Balasubramanian. “If radon levels are high, the good news is that the Ontario warranty and protection plan includes coverage for remediation of excessive radon levels and new homeowners should work with their builder to address it.”

According to Health Canada, 16 per cent of lung cancer deaths in Canada are attributed to indoor radon exposure. The second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking tobacco, this invisible radioactive gas is responsible for more than 3,300 lung cancer deaths each year.

D.I.Y radon kits are available at most local hardware stores and any hired professionals should be certified by the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program.