Radon - Katherine Cartier

My Experience With Radon

This past winter I was fortunate to attend an information session all about radon. I’d learned about it in the past, but I was still a little unsure about all of its implication. After learning about the prevalence of radon in my area, especially in the basements of older homes, I was keen to test my own home. Usually, it’s best to test the main floor of a building in areas where we spend most of our time. I, however, enjoy sleeping in the basement of my 1940s home, and have done so for 10 years of my life. Because of that, I opted to test my room, even though it’s in the basement. I was shocked to find the levels of radon in my bedroom 5x the Canadian guideline of 200 Bq/m³ at their peak! After briefly freaking out, I made sure to get the best in the business to come install a radon mitigation system. Their team was professional, friendly and efficient — they even gave my cat a tour of their work truck! Within hours of installing the radon mitigation system, the levels in my room dropped below 20 Bq/m³. Although radon can be a big concern, it is easily dealt with and comes with a reasonable price tag.

Radon in Homes: What Homeowners Need to Know

Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that can have serious health implications for homeowners. Although it is naturally occurring, it’s important to understand how radon can impact indoor air quality and what steps can be taken to protect your family. In this blog post, we’ll explore what radon is, where it comes from, how it can affect homes (especially in rural and country properties), and what you can do about it.

What is Radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas that is formed from the decay of uranium found in soil, rock, and water. It can seep into homes through cracks in foundations, walls, and floors, or even through well water. While outdoor radon levels are generally low and harmless, when radon enters a home, it can become trapped and build up to dangerous levels.

Why is Radon Dangerous?

Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. When radon gas is inhaled, it can damage the lining of the lungs, increasing the risk of cancer over time. The longer the exposure, the higher the risk, which is why it’s crucial to address radon in your home, especially if you live in a region prone to higher levels of the gas.

Radon in Country Homes and Cottages

For those of us living in rural areas or owning cottages, radon is a particularly important concern. Homes in rural regions like the Chelsea/Wakefield area and beyond are often built on bedrock, which can contain higher levels of uranium. Older homes with basements or crawl spaces, which are common in country homes, can have more potential entry points for radon.

Additionally, many country homes are built with natural ventilation in mind, but this can sometimes cause inconsistent airflow and lead to pockets of radon buildup in living spaces.

How Can I Test for Radon?

The good news is that testing for radon is easy and relatively inexpensive. Homeowners can purchase a radon test kit at most hardware stores or online. There are two types of tests: short-term (lasting a few days to 90 days) and long-term (lasting more than 90 days). Long-term tests provide a more accurate picture of your home’s average radon levels, which can fluctuate seasonally.

If your home’s radon levels are above the Canadian guideline of 200 becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m³), it’s time to take action.

Mitigating Radon in Your Home

If radon levels in your home are high, don’t panic. Radon mitigation systems are highly effective at reducing radon concentrations. The most common method is a vent pipe system that pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it safely outside. Sealing cracks and improving ventilation in your home can also help reduce radon levels.

It’s also a good idea to work with a professional radon mitigation company to ensure that the system is installed correctly and effectively.

Final Thoughts

Radon can be a serious health risk, but one that can be managed with proper testing and mitigation. If you’re living in or buying a home in a region like Wakefield, Chelsea, or other rural areas, it’s worth considering radon testing. Protecting your family’s health should always be a top priority, and addressing radon is a key step in creating a safe living environment.

If you have questions about radon or any other aspects of buying or selling a country home, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help guide you through every step of the process.