Why Calgary is Canada’s Radon Capital: A Look at Local Statistics
Radon is a silent threat across Canada. The concentration of this dangerous gas in our soil and groundwater is among the highest in the world. Calgary has earned the concerning title of having some of the highest radon levels in the country.
High radon gas levels can go undetected without proper testing, leading to prolonged radon exposure that increases the risk of serious health issues. Understanding what these radon levels mean is essential for protecting your health and safety. In this article, we’ll discuss how Calgarians are at a unique risk of radon exposure, and what you can do to mitigate that risk.
What is Radon?
Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that occurs naturally from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, and other openings. Because it is invisible and undetectable without specialized equipment, radon exposure often goes unnoticed until serious health issues arise.
Radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause overall. Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon can damage lung tissue, leading to an increased risk of developing lung cancer. Symptoms of radon gas exposure are not immediate and can take years to manifest, making early detection and mitigation crucial.
Radon Gas Levels in Calgary
Several factors contribute to Calgary’s high radon levels. The city’s unique geological makeup, characterized by uranium-rich soil and bedrock, creates ideal conditions for radon production. Additionally, Calgary’s climate plays a role; cold weather often leads residents to keep windows and doors closed, reducing ventilation and trapping radon gas indoors.
Recent studies and surveys have highlighted alarming statistics about radon gas levels in Calgary homes. Approximately one in six homes in Calgary have radon levels above the recommended safety threshold of 200 becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m³). This figure is significantly higher than the national average, making radon a serious issue for Calgary homeowners.
How to Monitor Radon Levels in Your Home
Since radon exposure is a largely silent threat, it’s important to be proactive when it comes to protecting your home.
While radon itself does not produce any noticeable symptoms, long-term exposure can lead to health issues that may serve as indirect indicators. Common radon gas in basement symptoms include:
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Lung cancer
If you or your family members experience these symptoms without other apparent causes, it may be wise to test your home for radon gas levels.
Testing Radon Gas Levels
Testing for radon is the first step in protecting your home and health. Radon test kits are affordable and widely available. These kits usually contain activated charcoal or alpha track detectors that absorb radon gas. After the exposure period, the amount of radon decay is measured to determine the average radon levels in the home.
Radon Mitigation: The Best Defense
Professional radon mitigation is the best way to reduce radon gas levels in your home. The most common method involves using a vent pipe and a fan to draw radon from beneath the foundation and expel it outside, preventing it from entering living spaces.
Additional measures may include sealing cracks in the foundation, improving ventilation, and installing vapor barriers. These interventions effectively lower radon gas levels, thereby reducing the risk of radon exposure and its associated health hazards.
Can You Mitigate Radon Yourself?
Hiring professionals is the best choice for radon mitigation because they have the expertise and equipment to assess the situation accurately and implement the most effective solutions. DIY solutions leave too much room for error; even the smallest unsecured gap can allow the gas to permeate your home. Professional mitigation ensures that radon gas levels are managed efficiently, addressing potential sources of entry and ensuring long-term protection.
By reducing radon levels to safe thresholds with expert mitigation solutions, homeowners can significantly decrease the likelihood of experiencing radon gas in basement symptoms and other health issues related to radon exposure.
Go With Groundworks for Optimal Radon Mitigation
High radon gas levels in Calgary are a serious issue. Regular testing and effective mitigation can reduce radon exposure and prevent the long-term health risks associated with this invisible threat. By staying informed and taking action, Calgarians can protect their homes and their health from the dangers of radon gas.
If you’re concerned about potential radon exposure in your home, don’t wait. Contact Groundworks today to schedule a free inspection from our radon mitigation experts.
Radon Mitigation FAQs
Subtitle
The EPA recommends taking action to mitigate radon in homes with radon levels at or above 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air.
It’s recommended to have a professional install the system to ensure it meets EPA guidelines and is effective in reducing radon levels.
Properly designed and installed radon mitigation systems can reduce radon levels by up to 99%.
Related Resources
