An invisible and odorless radioactive gas that fluctuates daily. Radon is naturally occurring and found everywhere, impacting air quality.

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers.

How does radon gas enter the home?
The uranium decay process that results in radon gas starts deep underground. Over time, radon gas travels up until it finally reaches the surface, which is often where homes are.
Home foundations and basements generally have different air pressure levels than the surrounding soil, which makes them act like vacuums for gases traveling through the soil.
Radon gas is drawn to homes on account of these forces, and can easily enter through cracks in basement flooring, foundations, pipes, and even water sources.
Once inside your home, radon gas will accumulate without proper ventilation in place. Radon concentration levels are compounded during the cold fall, winter, and spring months when homes are sealed for warmth.
Alarmingly, the winter months are also when people spend the most time indoors. School semesters are in full swing, offices are busy with employees who vacationed during the summer, and cold weather keeps people inside the comfort of home.
Finally, radon gas levels fluctuate throughout the day as well, with radon test results typically showing higher levels in the morning and lower levels at night.

What are the Health Effects of Radon?

When radon gas is inhaled into the lungsit decays into radioactive particles that release small bursts of energy. This energy is absorbed by nearby lung tissue, damaging the lung cells. When cells are damaged, they have the potential to result in cancer when they reproduce.
Radon exposure is the #1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Exposure to high levels of radon in indoor air results in an increased risk of developing lung cancer. The risk of cancer depends on the level of radon and how long a person is exposed to those levels.
Exposure to radon and tobacco use together can significantly increase your risk of lung cancer. For example, if you are a lifelong smoker your risk of getting lung cancer is 1 in 10. If you add long-term exposure to a high level of radon, your risk becomes 1 in 3. As a non-smoker, your lifetime lung cancer risk at the same high radon level is 1 in 20.

What is the Current Canadian Guideline for Radon in Indoor Air?
The Canadian guideline for radon in indoor air for dwellings is 200 Becquerels per cubic meter (200 Bq/m3). A Becquerel is a unit that measures the emission of radiation per second. The radon level in a dwelling should not be above the guideline. While the health risk from radon exposure below the Canadian guideline is small there is no level that is risk-free. It is the choice of each homeowner to decide what level of radon exposure they are willing to accept. The chart below compares the risk of dying of radon-induced lung cancer to other better-known risks such as car accidents, carbon monoxide, and house fires. The risk of lung cancer from radon gas exposure is significant but preventable. The only way to know your radon level is to test and if high levels are found take action to reduce them.

References:
1. www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/road/publications/canadian-motor-vehicle-traffic-collision-statistics-2016.html
2. www.injuryresearch.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Carbon-Monoxide-Oct-2017-Final-UFV.pdf
3. www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=351001950

How Much Will it Cost to Reduce the Level of Radon in my Home?
The cost of radon reduction depends on the size and design of a home and the work that is needed. These costs typically range from $2000 to $4000.

Good maintenance protects your investment, enhances comfort, extends life expectancies and reduces your costs. It makes great sense. Some homeowners do the maintenance themselves, and others get help with it.

Monthly
Smoke detectors – test to make sure they work in the event of a fire
Carbon monoxide detectors – test to make sure they work in the event of an appliance malfunction
Ground fault circuit interrupters and arc fault circuit interrupters – test to make sure they work if there is an electrical problem
Filters/air cleaners on heating and air-conditioning system – clean to reduce heating costs, improve comfort and protect the equipment
Automatic reverse mechanism on garage door openers – test to make sure no one will be injured by the door as it closes
Range hood filters – clean to maintain efficiency, reduce energy costs and minimize the risk of grease fires
Central vacuum system – empty canister and clean filter (if applicable) so system will work effectively (in some homes, this has to be done more frequently than monthly)

Quarterly
Sliding doors and windows – clean tracks and make sure drain holes are open to reduce the risk of water damage in the home
Floor drains – Check that there is water in traps to prevent sewer odors getting into the home
Heat recovery ventilator – clean or replace the filter (every two months is ideal) to ensure proper and cost effective operation
Bathroom exhaust fan – clean grill to ensure good air flow

Spring
Gutters – clean to extend the life of the gutters and keep the basement/crawlspace dry
Air-conditioning system – have it serviced before turning it on – to protect the equipment
Humidifier attached to furnace – turn off and shut off the water so we don’t get more humidity than we want in the summer
Humidifiers and central air conditioners – close the damper on the humidifier bypass to avoid short-circuiting the air-conditioning system
Well water – have tested by laboratory to ensure the water is safe to drink (More frequent testing may be appropriate.)
Sump pump – test to make sure it will operate when needed, to avoid flooding Chimneys for fireplaces and other wood-burning appliances – have inspected and swept as necessary – to reduce the risk of a chimney fire

Fall
Gutters – clean to extend the life of the gutters and keep the basement/crawlspace dry
Heating system – service before turning on to protect the equipment
Gas fireplace – service with other gas appliances; include fireplace in service plan
Outdoor hose bibs – shut off unless they are frost free to prevent freezing damage to pipes
Hot water heating systems – bleed radiators to remove air so the radiators will keep the house warm
Hot water heating systems – lubricate the circulating pump as needed to extend its life
Humidifier connected to furnace – turn on and open the water supply so that the humidifier will work in the heating season
Humidifiers and central air conditioners – open the damper on the humidifier bypass to allow the humidifier to work in the heating season
Electric baseboard heaters – vacuum to remove dust to increase the efficiency and reduce the risk of fire
Well water – have tested by laboratory to ensure the water is safe to drink (More frequent testing may be appropriate.)
Sump pump – test to make sure it will operate when needed, to avoid flooding
Catch basins – test and clean out debris if needed – to make sure they will carry water away
Exterior vents – ensure vent flaps close properly to reduce heat loss and prevent pest entry

Annually
Trees and shrubs – trim back at least 3 feet from air-conditioning to allow the air-conditioning to work properly
Trees and shrubs – trim back from walls and roofs to prevent damage caused by branches rubbing against the building and to reduce the risk of pests getting into the home
Vines – trim away from wood building components
Roofing – perform annual inspection and tune-up. This helps maximize the life of roofs.
(Often performed by roofer on an annual service agreement)
Bathtub and shower enclosures – check caulking and grout to prevent concealed water damage
Attic – check for evidence of pests and roof leaks to prevent infestations and water damage
Building exterior – inspect for weather tightness at siding, trim, doors, windows, wall penetrations, etc. to prevent concealed water damage
Exterior paint and stain – check and improve as needed to prevent rot in exterior wood. Pay particular attention to wood close to the ground. Wood in contact with soil is prone to rot.
Exterior grade – check that it slopes down away from the building to drain water away from, rather than toward, the foundation. This helps prevent wet basement and crawlspace problems.
Refrigerators and freezers – vacuum coils to improve efficiency and reduce cost
Fire extinguisher – check gauges to make sure they will operate if needed
Garage door hardware – lubricate to ensure the door moves freely
Garage door operator – lubricate to ensure the operator works freely and minimize the load on the electric motor

Semi-Annually
Exterior air intakes – clean to ensure that it is clear from debris that can block air from entering any mechanical equipment.

Ongoing
Septic systems – set up a program for regular maintenance and inspection with a local service provider. Tanks are typically pumped out every three years.

When moving into a resale home, there are some things that you will want to take care of. This list focuses on things related to the house, rather than all of the administrative issues like change of address notices, setting up utilities, telephone, television, etc. The Home Set-up section deals with things that are done just once. The Home Maintenance Program deals with regular activities.

1. Smoke detectors​

Install or replace as needed. (Usually one on every floor level near a sleeping area.) Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years, and it is difficult to know how old the existing smoke detectors are. We recommend replacing them all.

2. Carbon monoxide detectors​

Carbon monoxide detectors – Provide according to manufacturer’s recommendations, typically in every sleeping area.

3. Locks​

Change the locks on all the doors. Deadbolts improve security and may reduce insurance costs.

4. Heating and air-conditioning systems

Have these inspected and serviced. We recommend setting up a service contract to ensure the equipment is properly maintained. It makes sense to protect your investment in these expensive systems.

5. Main shutoffs​

Find and mark the main shutoff for the heating, electrical and plumbing systems. You need to be able to shut things off fast in the event of an emergency.

6. Electrical circuits​

Label the circuits in the electrical panel, so you can shut off the right fuse or breaker quickly.

7. Wood burning appliances​

Have the chimney inspected and swept as needed.

8. Outdoor air-conditioning unit​

Make sure there is at least 3 feet clear around the air conditioner. Cut back trees and shrubs as needed

9. Clothes washing machines​

Use braided steel hoses rather than rubber hoses for connecting the washing machine to the supply piping. This reduces the risk of serious water damage due to a ruptured hose.

10. Clothes dryers​

Use smooth walled (not corrugated) metal exhaust ducts to vent clothes dryers outdoors. Keep the runs as short and straight as possible.

11. Fire extinguishers​

Provide at least one on every floor. The fire extinguisher near the kitchen should be suitable for grease fires.

12. Fire escape routes​

Plan fire escape routes from the upper stories. Obtain rope ladders if necessary.

13. Safety improvements​

If your home inspector has recommended any safety improvements, these should be taken care of immediately. This often includes electrical issues and trip or fall hazards, for example.