LEARNING MORE
Radon what?
What is Radon anyway?
The facts
about Radon
In Alberta, the presence of Radon gas is not a recent revelation. However, what has emerged as relatively new information pertains to the health studies shedding light on its long-term impacts. According to Evict Radon's latest research, the Western Canadian prairie provinces stand as the second most exposed population to Radon globally, trailing only behind Poland. Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is formed when uranium in the soil and rock undergoes decay.
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Foundation cracks
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Cracks in floor slabs
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Gaps around service pipes
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Window casements
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Floor drains
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Sumps
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Cavities inside walls
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Construction joints
HOW DOES IT ENTER?
Radon gas enters our homes in a variety of ways:
Highest Radon Levels Reported in Calgary and Surrounding Areas (as of 2018)
Are there areas in Calgary that are safer than others?
While the presence of Radon gas in Alberta has been known for some time, recent attention has focused on new research regarding its long-term health effects. Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas resulting from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock, poses detection challenges due to its invisible, odorless, and tasteless properties. Its significance arises when confined within enclosed spaces such as homes or businesses. Elevated levels of Radon accumulation in homes can lead to serious health risks, notably an increased susceptibility to lung cancer. All neighborhoods in Calgary have been proven to have homes with high levels of Radon gas. The only true way to know whether your own home has high levels is to test it!
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The likelihood of developing cancers associated with DNA damage is linked to the duration of Radon exposure and its concentration levels. This risk is further compounded when combined with tobacco smoke.