Radon Gas – How Your Home Could Be Hurting You
Who knew you’d be getting a science lesson from your local Real Estate experts? Radon gas is a harmful chemical that is found in an estimated 23% of homes in Manitoba and is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking! The purpose of this post is to educate the public on ways to prevent radon gas from entering your home and poisoning you, and your loved ones.
What is it, and where does it come from?
Radon has no scent, taste and cannot be seen but with exposure overtime can definitely take a tole on your health. It’s a natural radioactive gas that is secreted from the soil as it’s broken down and is only harmful when released in a confined space, like a house. It can be released into a home any place there is an opening contacting the earth; cracks in the foundation, unsealed gaps near pipes, window casements, and floor drains to name a few.
How do I find out if my house is effected?
Homes built after 2011 followed new regulations that will reduce radon’s ability enter a house. To test the radon levels in your home, you can either hire a professional or buy a do-it-yourself testing kit. Canadian Cancer Society is selling kits to detect the severity of radon levels in your home which will allow you to take action in fixing the problem. They need to be installed in the lowest level of your home and remain there for 3 months. After the test is complete, it needs to be mailed to the manufacturer to be read and a report will be sent back to you. Kits are available for $30 at Choice Realty, by emailing radon@hc-sc.gc.ca, or calling 613-946-6384. 
Help! My house has dangerous radon levels!
There are various ways to reduce radon levels in your home; sometimes it’s a quick $50 fix, and other times a more substantial renovation is required. Regardless of the severity of the required remedies, it will be worth the time and money to reduce the risk of lung cancer in your home.
The following are a few common examples of ways to reduce radon in your home:
- Sealing any cracks found in floors, foundations, around plumbing and drains
- Applying two coats of paint and sealant over basement sub-floor and foundation walls
- Increase the ventilation in your home
- Renovating basement flooring
- Active soil depressurization (service done by a professional)
Feel free to stop by Choice Realty to pick up a free information package with more details on this hazardous chemical.
*Stats and info provided by The Canadian Cancer Society*