Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that’s invisible, odorless, and tasteless—yet it poses a significant health risk if left unchecked. It forms from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water, and can accumulate to dangerous levels inside buildings, including homes, schools, and workplaces. The more airtight a building, the higher the potential radon concentration, which is why modern, energy-efficient homes are often at greater risk for radon buildup.
Why Should Radon Matter to You?
Long-term exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer overall, and the leading cause in Canadians who have had a limited tobacco smoking history or have never smoked. The World Health Organization and Health Canada have both underscored the serious health risks associated with radon exposure. Prolonged radon inhalation can cause DNA damage in lung cells, increasing the risk of lung cancer. As reported in recent studies, such as the 2024 Cross-Canada Survey of Radon Exposure in the Residential Buildings of Urban and Rural Communities, exposure to radon in Canadian homes is higher than ever, especially in newer builds. Younger adults and children face unique vulnerabilities to this threat, as they often live in these newer, energy-efficient homes that trap radon.
Understanding Radon Levels in Canada
The Lung Health Foundation, in collaboration with the Evict Radon National Study, is shining a light on the urgent need for awareness and action to address radon risks. The recent Cross-Canada Survey of Radon Exposure highlights that radon is not just a problem in one area—it affects both rural and urban communities across the country. The Canadian government and health organizations are advocating for stronger policy reforms, including updates to building codes and expanded access to lung cancer screening, to protect Canadians from this hidden hazard.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Health
- Test Your Home: Testing for radon is straightforward and can be done with a radon test kit, which you can purchase at cost through non-profit organizations like the Evict Radon National Study. Knowing your home’s radon level is the first step in understanding your exposure risk.
- Mitigate High Radon Levels: If your radon test shows high levels, radon mitigation systems can reduce the gas to safer levels. Certified professionals can install these systems to help ensure your home’s air quality is safe.
- Advocate for Policy Change: Supporting policies that promote radon testing, public awareness, and accessible mitigation services can protect not only your family but also your community.
Radon is a risk that Canadians can control. By taking action, you can protect your family’s health and contribute to a safer future for all Canadians.
This November, we invite you to join us in recognizing Lung Cancer Awareness Month. At the Lung Health Foundation, we believe there are more reasons than ever to be hopeful about lung cancer.
Hope means Helping Others Persevere through Experience. It means:
- Sharing our stories to inspire, de-stigmatize, and de-mystify lung cancer and the diverse people living with it.
- Showing Canadians a future where you can live with lung cancer, not just ‘deal with’ it.
- Unlocking hope by breaking down barriers to screening and finding more lung cancer cases early.
While the world has a long way to go before we banish stigma or improve survivorship, change is in the air. This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, let’s talk about hope and be part of that change.
Support Our Mission to Promote Lung Health
Protecting Canadians from lung health hazards like radon requires education, advocacy, and research. Help the Lung Health Foundation lead the fight against radon exposure and other lung health threats. Donate today to support our work in creating a safer, healthier future for all.
Your donation can help us continue vital programs, like lung disease awareness and screening initiatives, bringing hope and better breathing to those at risk. Every contribution makes a difference.