Radon is the silent killer you can’t ignore

How to protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of radon in your home

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Radon is a silent killer that could be lurking in your home, yet it often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Unlike carbon monoxide poisoning or smoke inhalation, the effects of radon exposure are not immediate, which makes it easy to overlook. But the danger is real.

Radon is everywhere. According to Health Canada, it’s a naturally occurring radioactive gas created when uranium in soil and rock decays. Like carbon monoxide, it’s odourless and tasteless. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada, after smoking, and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. In fact, according to Statistics Canada, radon-induced deaths in 2016 and 2017 were nearly 10 times greater than those caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.

Living in an established community might make you think radon isn’t a concern, but the data says otherwise. Shockingly, the Canadian Prairies have the second-highest radon levels in the world, trailing only Poland.

I discovered elevated radon levels in my home purely by accident. While reviewing the Airthings Wave, a radon and air quality measurement device, I learned just how prevalent radon was in my house. Over a year-long test, I found the radon levels were nearly double the threshold that requires mitigation. This prompted me to take immediate action.

Radon testing is crucial, especially during the winter months when doors and windows are sealed. Testing is typically done at the lowest level of living space, such as a basement. .

If you’re considering testing your home, there are options to suit every budget.

• Alpha Track Radon Test Kits: These affordable devices cost between $35 and $65 and are ideal for long-term testing. They are single-use, resembling a small hockey puck. After 90 days, you mail the kit to a lab using a prepaid envelope and receive your results within weeks.
• Airthings Corentium Home Digital Radon Detector: For quicker results, this battery-operated device is an excellent choice. It provides readings within six to 24 hours and becomes more accurate over time. Portable and easy to use, it’s a convenient option for continuous monitoring or sharing with friends and family. The device retails for $179 in Canada, with occasional discounts as low as $126.60. (Read my review of the Airthings Corentium Home Digital Radon Detector)

Discovering elevated radon levels in my home was unsettling, but it spurred me into action. Through extensive research, I consulted experts, scientists, lung associations, and government officials better to understand mitigation and the broader risks of radon exposure. This journey highlighted how critical testing and addressing radon exposure can be for health and safety.

Although National Radon Action Month (November) is drawing to a close, the urgency to test for radon remains. Winter is the best time to test, as homes are sealed against the cold, creating conditions that allow for accurate radon level measurements.

Taking a simple test can provide peace of mind and potentially save lives. Don’t wait for the invisible threat of radon to become a tragedy – act now to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Greg Gazin, also known as Gadget Guy or Gadget Greg, is a Troy Media columnist with deep expertise in technology. He’s also a respected speaker on communication, leadership, and tech-related topics. Beyond writing, Gazin is a versatile professional who works as a facilitator, blogger, podcaster, and author. His broad range of skills and insights has made him a prominent and influential voice in the tech community.

The views, opinions, and positions expressed by our columnists and contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of our publication.

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