November is Radon Action Month in Canada
Tens of thousands of Canadians die every year due to lung cancer, and thousands of those deaths are due to radon exposure, the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Many of these deaths unfortunately happen because many Canadians are unaware of radon or don’t fully understand the health risks. This is especially understandable since radon is odorless, tasteless, and invisible. Since November is both National Radon Awareness Month and Lung Cancer Awareness Month in Canada, here are some things you should know so that you or your loved ones don’t end up a part of these tragic statistics.
What is radon anyway?
Radon is an odorless, tasteless, and invisible gas that results from the decay of trace amounts of uranium in the earth’s crust. Since uranium is radioactive radon is too, making it a dangerous carcinogen. This radon gas can infiltrate a home through the soil and travel through the basement up into the different levels of the home. Radon can also infiltrate well water or public water supplies, although it's more common for it to enter the home through the soil. Long term exposure to radon causes lung cancer. Health Canada recommends acting if your radon test shows levels at 200 becquerels or above. In the US, as per EPA it's 4 pCi/L. Regardless of it being low or high, on a health situation, we still recommend to mitigate.
How do I find out if my home has radon?
You need to perform a radon test. This is accessible to your local radon mitigation provider. The good news is that testing for radon is easy. When you contact your qualified radon contractor, they can quickly visit your home to set up a radon monitoring system. When the test is done they will meet with you to discuss the results and any additional steps you may have to take. Protecting your family is that simple.
Can radon be treated or eliminated?
If your home does have high levels of radon, there’s no need to panic. Radon mitigation technology is incredibly effective and can reduce even the highest radon levels. A qualified National Radon Defense contractor can easily install an affordable radon mitigation system to keep you, your family, and your guests safe.
As the leading network of radon professionals, National Radon Defense can help you find your trusted local radon contractor. Contact us today to find your local radon contractor and learn more, test your home, or install a radon mitigation system.
How does radon affect my health?
Basically, the radon particles you breathe in will damage your lungs or body. It can lead to illnesses or worse, lung cancer. It has been proven for how many years now and a lot of people endure this without knowing it's radon who is causing it. So, we always say prevention is better than cure.
Why Choose a Radon Mitigation Professional? Can't I do it myself?
A professional approach is cost-effective all the time. One mistake from a DIY system could cost you double or not triple the expense. These are things you need to train and get certifications for. It has always been recommended by Health Canada for a professional to perform the radon mitigation process from start to finish. In the National Radon Defense perspective, our radon fans and equipment are quality, and our pros are definitely certified. They are committed to providing the right guidance and service to ensure each home's safety.
Are radon mitigation systems expensive?
There is an ideal radon mitigation system that fits every home, every structure. A professional will lay down the cards for you on what's the most practical way you can go to mitigate. Nevertheless, a lot of radon contractors offer financing which is great! A radon mitigation system is a wise investment!
Can I take action on radon when I get older?
We do not recommend this. Radon exposure has no definite time frame on when your health could get affected. If you're reading this blog now, seize this opportunity to protect you and your family against this danger. Take it step by step. No one wants to rush and get the radon mitigation system installed right away. You can always start with the first step, just simply get a radon test. Test your home.
If you're scared or could not take risk, contact our National Radon Defense dealers in Canada. We can assure there would be a qualified contractor in your area.
It starts with you. Let's create healthier and safer homes in Canada and also worldwide!
