Radon Gas Awareness: What Every Ontario Homeowner Should Know
Radon is an invisible, odorless, and naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate inside homes without any warning signs. Many Ontario homeowners have never tested for radon, even though it is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in Canada. The good news is that radon can be accurately tested and effectively reduced.
At Radon River, we're committed to helping homeowners across Ontario understand the risks of radon gas and create healthier indoor environments for their families.
What Is Radon?
Radon is produced naturally when uranium in soil and rock breaks down over time. As the gas rises through the ground, it can enter homes through small cracks in foundation walls and floors, gaps around pipes, floor drains, sump pits, and other openings.
Once inside, radon can become trapped and build up to levels that may pose a health risk. Because it has no smell, taste, or colour, the only way to know your home's radon level is through testing.
Why Radon Matters in Ontario
Ontario's geology makes radon a concern in many communities. Elevated radon levels have been found in homes throughout the province, including urban, suburban, and rural areas.
No home is immune. New homes, older homes, well-sealed homes, and drafty homes can all have elevated radon levels. Even neighbouring houses can have dramatically different radon concentrations.
The only reliable way to determine your home's radon level is to perform a professional long-term radon test.
The Health Risks of Radon
Long-term exposure to elevated radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and the leading cause among people who have never smoked.
When radon gas is inhaled, radioactive particles can become trapped in the lungs. Over many years, this exposure increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
The risk increases with both the concentration of radon and the length of exposure.
How Radon Testing Works
Professional long-term testing provides the most accurate picture of your home's average radon concentration.
A certified radon monitor or detector is placed in the lowest regularly occupied level of the home—typically a basement—for a minimum of 90 days during the heating season when homes are generally closed up.
Results are reported in becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m³).
Health Canada recommends taking action to reduce radon levels when they are 200 Bq/m³ or higher, although reducing lower levels can also decrease long-term exposure.
What Happens If Your Home Has High Radon?
If testing reveals elevated radon levels, there's no need to panic. Radon mitigation is a proven and highly effective solution.
The most common mitigation system uses a specialized fan and piping system to safely draw radon gas from beneath the home's foundation and vent it above the roofline before it can enter the living space.
A professionally installed mitigation system can often reduce radon levels by more than 80% and, in many cases, by over 90%.
Should Every Ontario Home Be Tested?
Yes.
Because radon levels vary significantly from one home to another, location alone cannot predict whether a home has elevated radon. Testing is recommended regardless of:
The age of the home
The style of construction
Whether the home has a finished basement
Whether nearby homes have already been tested
Testing is non-invasive, straightforward, and provides valuable peace of mind.
Why Choose Radon River?
At Radon River, we believe every family deserves to know the quality of the air they breathe.
Our services are designed to provide accurate testing, clear reporting, and effective mitigation solutions that meet recognized industry standards. Whether you're buying a home, selling one, or simply want to protect your family, we're here to guide you through every step of the process.
Our goal is simple: reduce radon exposure and help create healthier homes across Ontario.
Take the First Step
Since radon cannot be seen or smelled, testing is the only way to know if your home is affected.
If you've never tested your home—or if it's been several years since your last test—now is an excellent time to take action.
Contact Radon River today to learn more about professional radon testing and mitigation services throughout Ontario. A simple test today can make a lasting difference for your family's health tomorrow.