Radon levels above Health Canada’s threshold in millions of homes

A new report suggests Canadians’ exposure to a radioactive gas is increasing, putting millions of people at greater risk of developing lung cancer.

Data from the University of Calgary’s 2024 Cross-Canada Survey of Radon Exposure shows that 18 per cent of Canadian homes contain high levels of radon gas that exceed Health Canada’s acceptable standards.

This means that approximately 10.3 million Canadians are exposed to the dangerous gas in their own homes.

“In the 12 years since we released the first Cross Canada Radon Report, more and more evidence has emerged showing that the number of homes with high radon levels has increased,” said Dr. Pawel Mekarski of Health Canada’s national radon program in a statement. .

“The 2024 survey represents a more current snapshot of radon levels across the country, and highlights the importance of protecting Canadians from radon exposure in homes.

What is radon?

Radon is a colorless, odorless and radioactive gas and the second largest cause of lung cancer worldwide.

It is produced when uranium, a common element in Canadian soil and rocks, breaks down.

It can enter homes through any opening that contacts the ground, such as cracks in the foundation floor and walls, construction joints, gaps around service pipes, support posts, window frames, floor drains, pits or voids in walls, Health Canada says. .

Radon levels in homes can vary depending on local geology, when the building was constructed and other factors such as ventilation.

The report said no area of ​​Canada is free from radon exposure and residents are urged to test their homes.

“Long-term exposure to radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer among people who have had limited or never smoked tobacco, with the lifetime risk of lung cancer increasing by 16 percent with exposure to every 100 Bq/m³ of radon.” the school said.

Test and reduce radon

An oncologist at the U of C says radon can only be detected with a specialized radon detector and once those high levels are identified, steps can be taken to remove it.

“The key is radon reduction strategies,” says Dr. Doreen Ezeife. “Talk to a radon control company and they can come to your home and install a unit in the basement that pumps out the radon using a fan.”

Ezeife says it’s only been about 10 years since scientists learned about radon levels in Canadian homes and their impact on public health.

She said Albertans are at a disadvantage when it comes to health problems due to radon.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have good screening strategies for lung cancer in Alberta,” she said.

“Many patients can develop a tumor in the lungs after prolonged exposure to radon and the tumor can grow without developing symptoms and by the time the tumor is discovered it is unfortunately in an advanced stage.”

Ezeife says homeowners can purchase a test kit online, which collects data for three months.

“The test kit is sent back to the company and they let you know what the radon levels are in your home.

“Our latest findings show that one in five homes in Alberta have high radon levels.”

Sound the alarm

Dr. Aaron Goodarzi, one of the members of the U of C research team, said the updated report provides “a better understanding” of how Canadians are exposed to radon.

“Alarmingly, this report concludes that Canadians are among the most exposed people on earth to radon, and that means we must address this urgently to prevent a future of common but otherwise preventable lung cancers.”

Goodarzi said Canada has one of the lowest rates of smoking in the world, but one of the highest rates of lung cancer.

The full findings of the report can be found online.

(With files from Jacqueline Wilson)