November is National Radon Awareness Month in Canada

Radon is a silent killer plaguing Canada and the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. Thousands of Canadians die every year from lung cancer due to exposure to harmful radon gas and tragically this is often because they are unaware of radon and the threat it poses. Since November is both Lung Cancer Awareness Month and National Radon Awareness Month here in Canada, we want to take advantage of this opportunity to tell you about radon gas and how you can keep your family safe from it.

What is radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas created by the decay of trace amounts of uranium in the earth’s crust. This gas can then enter homes through the soil and is incredibly hard to detect without professional testing since it is odorless, tasteless, and invisible.

According to Health Canada, you should take immediate action if you have radon levels above 200 becquerels per cubic metre. Although high radon levels are often associated with basements, radon can also be found in crawl spaces, first floor, and even second floor rooms.

How do I test for radon?

The most effective way to test for radon is by scheduling a radon test from a local radon contractor. Luckily these tests are neither expensive nor inconvenient if you choose a contractor with an exceptional reputation, like Advanced Basement Systems. The contractor will generally visit your home, set up a radon monitoring system, and come back a few days later to check on the results. They’ll then go over the results with you and indicate what next steps you can take.

What if I do have high levels of radon?

Even if your radon test comes back with a high reading there’s no need to panic. Radon mitigation systems are affordable and incredibly effective. No matter how high your radon level might be, your local radon contractor can install a radon mitigation system that will lower those levels. The best part is you’ll now have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you, your family, and your guests are protected from radon.

Don’t wait! Use this opportunity to protect your family by scheduling your radon test today from your local experts at Advanced Basement Systems.