HEALTH FILE
IS THIS RADIOACTIVE KILLER LURKING IN YOUR HOME?
Some amount of radon exists in every building in Canada. Image credit: EKATERINA BELINSKAYA on Pexels.
From NEWS CANADA
Your home should be your haven – a place for you to rest, recharge and enjoy your life. But even in the most magazine-perfect home there are a few important steps to take to keep your space healthy.
Test for radon. Radon is an invisible radioactive gas that can seep up from the ground anywhere in the country. You can’t see it or smell it, but long-term exposure to radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and it increases the existing risk of cancer in those who do smoke. It doesn’t matter if you have a newly built home or an old fixer-upper, your radon level could be high. When there is an obvious danger in your home, like a water leak or a fire, you do what you can to fix it. But some dangers are not visible to the human eye. Radon gas is one such hazard that could be lurking in your home undiscovered.
Here’s the scoop on what it is, why it’s so dangerous, how to find out if it’s a problem in your house and what you can do to fix it.
Radon is an invisible radioactive gas formed by the natural breakdown of uranium in the ground. In outdoor air the gas naturally disperses quickly and is not a concern. But, when it seeps into enclosed spaces like your home, it can accumulate to a level that becomes a serious health risk over a long time. In fact, about eight people a day die from lung cancer every year in Canada due to radon exposure. It’s not something to take lightly.
Is your home safe? Some amount of radon exists in every building in Canada, and that’s normal. But the only way to know if your home has a dangerous level of radon gas is to test for it using a do-it-yourself kit which costs roughly $30 to $60, or by hiring a qualified professional. Health Canada recommends using a long-term test over three months in the fall and winter for the most accurate results. Because the amount of radon in your home can vary over time, but it’s typically highest in the colder months. Homes are usually sealed up more tightly against drafts in fall and winter, so less of the gas can disperse out of open windows and doors.
If your test result is below the limit, you can rest easy. The government recommends testing again if you do any major renovations or energy efficiency retrofits, as this can increase your radon level.
If your level is too high, you should hire a professional to fix it – it’s a usually an easy, one-day job costing about as much as a new home appliance.
Install CO alarms. Carbon monoxide, known as CO, is another deadly gas that you can’t see, taste or smell. It’s made by fuel-burning appliances like gas stoves and fireplaces. When installed, maintained and used properly, these appliances are safe. But if there’s a malfunction or not enough ventilation, CO can build up to a deadly level. You may become tired and achy and eventually lose consciousness.
Installing CO alarms on every level of your home, especially outside sleeping areas, is the only way to protect yourself from this deadly gas. If an alarm goes off, get everyone out immediately and call emergency services right away. There shouldn’t be damage to your home, but you’ll need to air out the home and get the source of the buildup fixed before you can return.
Replace batteries in smoke detectors. We all have smoke detectors in our homes to alert us in case of a fire, and you might know you are supposed to test them and change the batteries every six months. Put a note on your calendar to remind you when it’s time for this important step. You can also consider wiring in your smoke alarms if you ever update your electrical system. Just remember that you’ll still need back-up batteries installed in case of a power outage. Or buy ones with a built-in 10-year battery. Depending on the model, detectors must be replaced every five to 10 years.
Even though these safety steps may not be as pretty or satisfying as sprucing up your space with new paint or decor, they are crucial steps to ensure you can rest easily and safely in your home.
More information about radon gas as well as lists of certified test kits and professionals at takeactiononradon.ca.