Radon gas is something everyone should be aware of, especially given how serious it can be. While you may have heard about it recently, there’s no need to panic—just stay informed and take the right steps to manage it.
Protecting your family and home from radon doesn’t have to be daunting. Regular testing and proper mitigation can make a huge difference. Let’s break down what you need to know about radon and how you can keep your loved ones safe from its harmful effects.
**What Exactly Is Radon?**
Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that forms naturally from the decay of uranium found in soil, rock, and water. The recommended radon level in Canada is 200 becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m³).
Weather changes can significantly impact how much radon is released from the ground. Wind and pressure differences throughout the seasons also play a role, with winter typically seeing the highest concentrations.
Good news: Radon isn’t harmful when it’s dispersed in open air or present in low concentrations. However, when it accumulates indoors, that’s when it can become dangerous.
If you want to learn more about radon, check out this video we created just for you!
**When Does Radon Become Dangerous?**
The potential dangers of radon are quite serious. When radon builds up in enclosed spaces over time and at high concentrations, it can lead to severe health issues, particularly lung cancer.
Here’s the alarming part: Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada, responsible for between 10,000 to 40,000 cases every decade. Smoking is the only bigger risk factor.
- Health Canada estimates that 16% of lung cancer cases are linked to radon exposure, resulting in over 3,000 deaths annually in Canada.
- If you smoke, your risk is even higher.
- Children are particularly vulnerable, as radon exposure is 10 times more dangerous for them due to their developing organs and faster breathing rates.
This is concerning because radon cannot be detected without specialized tools. Levels can vary greatly from one location to another, even within the same neighborhood.
But here’s the silver lining: Radon can be detected and managed effectively.
**Protecting Your Home from Radon Gas**
The good news is that radon buildup is completely preventable. If it does become an issue in your home, it can be resolved. Health Canada reports that approximately 10% of homes exceed the recommended radon guidelines, which currently stand at 200 Bq/m³.
The amount of radon in your home and how quickly it accumulates depends on where you live. Homes in various parts of Alberta may have different radon levels. Experts at Rümi, along with Health Canada, recommend testing your home for radon every few years. If necessary, a mitigation system should be installed.
**What Do Radon Professionals Look For?**
1. **Entry Points and Trapping Areas**
Radon can seep into your home through:
- Cracks and gaps in your foundation
- Spaces around pipes
- Water taps and showerheads
- Soil beneath your home, especially in basements and lower floors
Once inside, radon can become trapped, leading to dangerously high concentrations. Interestingly, newer homes—those built tightly to withstand Alberta winters—are more prone to radon buildup since they don’t allow the gas enough room to escape.
If your home has a foundation, schedule a radon inspection every few years.
2. **Assessing Radon Levels**
Most homes contain some radon, but it’s the concentration that truly matters. Even neighboring houses can have vastly different radon levels.
To determine the radon levels in your home, call in the experts at Rümi. Air quality testing will tell you whether your radon levels are safe. We offer professional radon testing, or you can conduct your own using a radon detector. If your radon levels exceed Health Canada guidelines, we’ll develop a plan to address the problem.
3. **Solutions for High Radon Concentrations**
If your radon levels are high, don’t worry—you can reduce them. Options include:
- Sealing cracks and openings in your foundation
- Improving ventilation
- Installing a radon mitigation system (and we’re here to help!)
**What Is Radon Mitigation?**
Radon mitigation involves reducing the concentration of radon gas in your living space. It may also include treating radon in your water supply.
**How It Works:**
- A common mitigation method involves a depressurization system. Enhancing your home’s ventilation and sealing problematic areas also helps reduce radon buildup.
- Ventilation system upgrades might include installing a vent pipe from your basement to the roof, paired with a fan to draw radon gas from the soil and release it outdoors. Once released into the open air, radon is no longer harmful.
- Real-time monitoring systems provide instant updates on your home’s radon gas concentration, humidity, and temperature. Notifications go straight to your smartphone, offering 24/7 peace of mind. Consider this option if your radon levels are high or if your home tends to accumulate radon quickly.
**Ready to Be Radon-Free?**
You can test for radon yourself using our at-home kits. If you need mitigation or additional support from our team of professionals, feel free to reach out!
Rümi experts are certified and prepared to evaluate your home. If necessary, we’ll install mitigation systems to keep your family safe from radon gas. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is protected—all backed by a money-back guarantee!
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