Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed from the breakdown of uranium in rock, soil and water. Uranium is common in New Brunswick soils. You cannot see, smell or taste radon gas, so the only way to know if your home has an elevated concentration of radon is to test for it.

When radon is released to outdoor air, it disperses into the atmosphere and is therefore not a concern. However, in enclosed spaces like houses or other buildings, it can sometimes accumulate to high levels. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon can be harmful.

The 2024 Cross-Canada Radon Survey found that one in four New Brunswick homes have radon levels higher than the recommended 200 Becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m3). This guideline applies to homes and public buildings like schools, hospitals, long-term care residences and correctional facilities.

In Canada, long-term radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and the leading cause of lung cancer in people who have never smoked. New Brunswick has one of the highest rates of lung cancer in Canada.

When radon is breathed in, the radioactive particles can damage cells in the lungs. Over time, this damage can lead to lung cancer.

Radon enters areas where a building has contact with the ground, so concentrations of radon can be higher in the lower levels of a building. Someone who spends a lot of time in a building that has higher rates of radon is at a greater risk for developing lung cancer.

People who smoke have a higher risk of lung cancer. If you smoke or have smoked, and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is much higher than from radon exposure alone.   

The most accurate way to test for radon is by using a long-term radon detection kit. Testing is the responsibility of the building owner. Test kits and detectors range from $35-100. 

Short-term radon tests

• Short-term tests are less precise and do not replace the need for long-term (90 days or more) testing. These tests can give an early warning of extremely high radon levels or quickly check how a radon reduction system is working. The result of any short-term test should be confirmed with a long-term test done in the same place.

Take Action on Radon’s 100 Test Kit Challenge provides test kits to municipalities across Canada. New Brunswick community locations also lend free, short-term radon detection kits. For a list of locations visit NB Lung’s Radon Lending Program. 

Long-term radon tests

• Health Canada recommends measuring radon in your home over a period of three to 12 months. Longer tests give a more accurate estimate. It is best to test radon levels during the times of year when your house has the least airflow, such as during the fall and winter when windows and doors are closed more often.
• Place your radon test on the lowest lived-in level of your home, in a room you use often.

You can buy long-term radon test kits from NB Lung or from a local hardware store. Qualified professionals can also complete a test for you. 

While the health risk from radon exposure below the guideline is small, there is no level that is considered risk-free. Each homeowner must decide what level of radon they are comfortable with. Regardless of radon level, any action taken to reduce an individual’s radon exposure will decrease their health risk. 

The ways to reduce radon levels depend on a home’s construction, the detected radon level and how radon enters the home. If your radon level was below 200 Bq/m3, it is within the Canadian guideline. Consider testing again in five years.

If your radon test result is above the Canadian guideline of 200 Bq/m3, a certified radon professional can advise on options for lowering the radon in your home. Mitigation should occur within one year.

Methods to reduce radon levels may include:  

• sealing off radon entry points such as cracks in foundations
• installing systems to vent indoor air containing radon to the outside
• covering exposed soil or gravel in unfinished basements with plastic sheeting

The cost of a radon mitigation system is similar to other common home repairs, such as replacing a furnace or air conditioner, and can be installed in less than a day. In most homes, a mitigation system can reduce the radon level by more than 80%. 

After radon mitigation or prevention work is completed, the radon levels in the building should be retested. Radon levels should also be retested following any major renovations, especially if the structure or ventilation of the home was affected.  

You may be eligible for support through the Homeowner Repair Program or the Lungs Matter: Radon Mitigation Program.