Study Reveals Alarming Increase in Radon Levels in Canadian Homes

Radon exposure, a leading cause of lung cancer, now affects nearly 18% of Canadian residences, highlighting a growing public health concern.

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that naturally forms from the breakdown of uranium, thorium, or radium in rocks, soil, and groundwater.
The study shows that 17.8% of Canadian homes have radon levels above Health Canada's safety guideline of 200 Bq/m³, more than doubling since 2012.
Approximately 10.3 million Canadians are living in homes with high radon exposure, significantly increasing their risk of lung cancer.
New home construction practices that enhance energy efficiency may inadvertently trap radon, exacerbating the issue.
Experts urge Canadians to test their homes for radon and call for changes in building practices to mitigate future exposure.