Radon, Why Worry
Where does radon come from?
Radon is a radioactive gas that is colourless, tasteless, and odourless. Radon comes from Uranium in rocks, soil, and water. When it breaks down by emitting an Alpha Particle (two neutrons and two protons, no electrons) it becomes Radium, and when Radium breaks down (emitting another Alpha Particle) it has lost another two protons becoming Radon gas, which can move into low pressure areas in a building.
Radon's half-life is 3.8 days so it can move into a building if there is a path. When the the radon atom decays, it emits 3 Alpha Particles in less than one hour! Beta particles and Gamma rays are much less dangerous than Alpha particles.
Many factors will determine the level of concentration; Here is the way that radon can seep into your home.
- high uranium areas
- low pressure, heavy rain
- windy days, cold seasons
- easy access to move into a building;
- rock; granite, gneiss, limestone, gravel
- soil; coarse sand, dark shale, phosphate rock
Elevated concentration levels have been found in buildings all over Canada. Your neighbours may have very different concentration levels than yours. That is why Health Canada recommends a measurement for every home, school, workplace, and any building that people spend an average of more than 4 hours per day.
Everyone needs to know their concentration level.
What's the Worry?
Health Canada has been researching across Canada to determine the cause of lung cancer from chemicals and radioactive elements. The result is Radon Gas is the second largest cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Alpha Particles can penetrate living tissue in your lungs and can cause damage to DNA.
In 2012 Health Canada completed and published its Cross Canada Survey of almost 14,000 homes across Canada from the results of this survey determined 7% of Canadians are living in homes above 200 becquerels (Bq/m3).
Health Canada says Radon exposure in homes causes
more than 3,000 deaths per year.
- Lifetime exposure to radon at 800 Bq/m3 ( 30% lung cancer )
- Lifetime exposure to radon at 200 Bq/m3 ( 17% lung cancer )
- Lifetime exposure to radon at 800 Bq/m3 ( 5% lung cancer )
- Lifetime exposure to radon at 200 Bq/m3 ( 2% lung cancer )
Know Your Radon Level !