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Radon gas is the definitive “silent killer.” It’s colourless, odourless and acts slowly, over long periods of time. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in Canada among non-smokers, and the second highest among smokers. This is the very reason why it’s important to be aware of its dangers and what to do when it is detected in a home.
While homes with elevated levels of radon exist across the country, awareness of the issue remains low, and a vast majority of Canadian homes have never been tested. That’s why the BC Real Estate Association — in partnership with the BC Lung Foundation and the Real Estate Foundation of BC — is currently running a radon awareness campaign for the second straight year.
As key conduits of information in their communities, Realtors have a role to play in disseminating information and encouraging radon testing.
How does radon infiltrate a home?
Radon gas is generated from a natural breakdown of uranium that is present in much of Canada’s bedrock and soil, and can accumulate in homes, drawn in from leaks in the basement floor or foundation, gravitating to living areas via convection or “stack effects.”
There is no way to visually identify which homes may be subject to radon gas infiltration. There are maps to show homeowners which areas have the most homes with elevated levels of radon, but the only real way to be sure is to test individual homes.
As we approach winter, most people start closing their doors and windows, so now is the ideal time to test for radon. Tests are available for either short-term (two to seven days), or long-term (three to six months). The measurement is in becquerels per cubic metre, and a reading over 200 triggers a Health Canada recommendation for remediation.
Obviously, the higher the reading, the more urgent the need to take action.
How are high radon levels mitigated?
The good news is that remediation of existing homes is relatively simple, either by sealing entry points, diverting the radon at the basement slab and preventing its entry into the home, or increasing ventilation.
Preventative measures are also becoming more common in new builds across the country – and, in some cases, they’re mandatory. For instance, B.C.’s current building code requires radon mitigation measures to be roughed-in for every new ground-oriented, small-scale residence, via a vapour barrier and diversion pipe or duct.
It is important to note that energy efficiency requirements for new homes create a higher degree of air sealing, which could result in radon gas being trapped inside the home. This could also be balanced by improved basement or floor slab sealing, preventing radon gas from infiltrating the home in the first place.
Working from home
Another factor to be considered when evaluating radon risk is the pandemic-era practice of working from home. Commercial spaces are generally considered lower risk than residential buildings, but when people are spending their working hours at home, their exposure to radon gas can increase dramatically.
That’s all the more reason to conduct testing.
The best defence against future lung cancer cases caused by radon gas exposure is awareness and education. As Realtors, you should familiarize yourself with this risk, encourage testing in regions where radon levels are known to be high and provide value to your clients with factual information and the pathway to mitigation, if necessary.
In his role as Advocacy Projects Manager with the BC Real Estate Association (BCREA), Mark Sakai works with internal and external stakeholders to ensure BCREA effectively advocates for thoughtful, balanced, and evidence-based housing policy. Before joining BCREA, he served as Director of Government Relations with the Homebuilders Association Vancouver (previously known as the Greater Vancouver Homebuilders’ Association). Mark loves golf, but the feeling is not mutual.