🏡 Radon in Your Home: The Silent Health Risk Every BC Homeowner Should Know About

November is Radon Action Month, and here in British Columbia, there’s an important message making headlines again: radon testing saves lives.

The BC Real Estate Association (BCREA), BC Lung Foundation, and Real Estate Foundation of BC have teamed up once again to launch a province-wide awareness campaign encouraging homeowners to test their homes for radon — a naturally occurring gas that can silently build up inside homes and increase the risk of lung cancer.

You may not hear about radon often, but this is one home-safety topic every homeowner should pay attention to.

❓ What Exactly Is Radon?

Radon is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless radioactive gas that forms naturally in the ground as uranium breaks down in soil and rock.

It seeps into homes through:

• Cracks in foundations

• Gaps around pipes and vents

• Sump pumps or unfinished floors

• Crawl spaces

And here’s why it matters:
When radon builds up indoors and is breathed over time, it can damage lung tissue — making it the #2 cause of lung cancer in Canada, second only to smoking.

Many people assume radon affects only certain regions — but it can be found in homes anywhere in BC. In fact, Interior BC has been identified as one of the higher-risk regions in the country.

👀 Why Is This a Big Deal in BC?

While radon exists everywhere, certain geological areas naturally have higher levels. Parts of Interior BC — including Kamloops, Kelowna, the Kootenays, and surrounding communities — have consistently shown elevated radon concentrations in homes.

But location alone doesn’t tell the whole story…
Two houses on the same street can have very different radon levels.

And because radon increases when homes are sealed tightly for winter, fall and winter are the ideal time to test.

🧪 How Do You Test for Radon?

Testing is simple, affordable, and homeowner-friendly.

✅ 3 Easy Steps

1. Order a long-term radon test kit
   A 90-day test provides the most accurate results.

2. Place the device on the lowest lived-in level of your home
   (basement living space, rec room, or ground floor)

3. Send it to the lab at the end of the testing period
   You’ll get an official reading to see if action is needed.

👉 BC’s public awareness campaign directs residents to RadonKills.ca/BC for information, testing tools, and support.

🆘 What if Your Radon Level Is High?

Don’t panic — radon can be fixed, and often more easily than people think.

A certified radon mitigation professional can usually reduce levels significantly by installing a system that vents radon safely outdoors. In most cases, homeowners see dramatic improvements after installation.

This is not a DIY situation — always work with a qualified radon contractor.

🧠 Key Takeaways for BC Homeowners

• Radon is real, common, and preventable

• You can’t see or smell radon — testing is the only way to know

• BC Interior homes are especially at risk

• Testing is simple and affordable

• Mitigation, if needed, is effective and worthwhile

• Fall & winter are the best time to test

🏠 Protect Your Home and Family

As homeowners, we invest in smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and regular maintenance — radon testing belongs right beside those essentials.

Taking action now means peace of mind, a healthier home, and a safer environment for your family.

To learn more or order a radon test kit, visit:
👉 RadonKills.ca/BC 

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