Lung Cancer

The only known health effect from radon is an increased risk of developing lung cancer. Lung cancer from radon exposure is responsible for killing over 3,200 Canadians each year and more than 22,000 Americans annually. Health Canada (Cross Canada 2012 Radon Survey Report) estimates that 16% of all LUNG CANCER deaths are caused by exposure to high levels of radon. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. For this reason, Health Canada, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Surgeon General and the Canadian and American Lung Associations strongly recommend that all homes and buildings be tested for radon gas. All promote radon awareness, encourage radon testing and promote risk reduction through mitigation.

In June of 2007, Health Canada revised the action level for indoor radon exposure. The new action level for radon was reduced to 200 Bq/m3 (Becquerels per cubic meter) from the previous guideline of 800 Bq/m3. The EPA recommends that mitigation be carried out if the radon level is at or exceeds 150 Bq/m3. Health Canada recommends that remedial measures be carried out to lower the radon levels in your home to below 200 Bq/m3. The higher the radon level, the sooner the problem should be addressed. When remediating your home or building to lower radon levels, they should be reduced to the lowest level possible.

Health Canada estimates a non-smoker exposed to elevated levels of radon over a lifetime has a 1 in 20 chance of developing lung cancer. The combined effects of radon exposure and smoking tobacco significantly increase the risk of lung cancer. If a smoker is exposed to the same level of radon over a lifetime, the risk increases to a 1 in 3 chance.

Nothing is more valuable than your HEALTH. Radon can cause LUNG CANCER and once diagnosed, only about 1 in 10 will live longer than 5 years.

KNOW your RISK - Test your home or workplace for RADON

Radon Fact