November is Radon Action Month, and Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) is urging residents to test their homes for radon gas. Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas produced by decaying uranium in soil and rock. It can enter homes through small cracks and openings, often going unnoticed. Radon exposure over time is the second most common cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Radon is present in low levels in many homes across Ontario, but only testing can determine how much radon is present indoors. HPPH recommends long-term radon testing for residents, especially during the winter when windows and doors remain closed, which provides the most accurate readings. Testing should be done over a minimum of three months, with the testing device placed in the lowest level of the home where people spend at least four hours daily.
If test results show high levels of radon, homeowners can take steps to reduce exposure and lower health risks. To support radon awareness, Health Canada will be mailing postcards in November and January to certain Ontario areas where prior surveys suggest a risk of elevated radon levels. These postcards encourage testing, particularly in homes not previously contacted.
According to Canada’s guideline, radon levels should be below 200 Bq/m³ to minimize health risks. For more information on radon testing, residents can visit the “Take Action on Radon” website or contact HPPH at their public health number for assistance.
Written by: K. Milhomens