Radon in Homes

Radon is a gas produced by the breakdown of uranium. During this process, radioactive isotopes or "daughters" are produced which can be inhaled and have been associated with lung cancer. Radon can be found in soil and rocks containing uranium, granite, shale, phosphate and pitchblende.

Radon gas can enter into homes through dirt floors, cracks in concrete floors and walls, floor drains, slab joints and sump holes.

Cheap and effective means of decreasing indoor radon concentrations include improving ventilation (opening doors and windows), air to air heat exchangers and caulking and sealing of holes in foundations.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has provided the following brochures that homeowners may find useful:

1. Citizen's Guide to Radon – Guide to Protecting Yourself & Your Family from Radon
   

2. Consumer’s Guide to Radon Reduction: How to Fix Your Home
   

To order your free copy visit www.epa.gov

In Ontario, homeowners may contact the following company for radon testing:

Radiation Safety Institute of Canada
1120 Finch Avenue West, Suite 607
North York ON M3J 3H7
tel 416 650-9090
fax 416-650-9920
www.radiationsafety.ca