1- If my neighbor doesn’t have radon, is my home safe?
False! It has happened that in row houses, units in the middle had excessive radon or even that only one unit in the row had it while the others did not.
2- All detectors are the same regardless of technology!
False! Technologies vary, such as activated charcoal detectors which are subject to radon absorption and desorption and can be skewed by excessive humidity. Alpha track detectors, ionization chamber, and electret detectors are more precise and reliable for both short-term and long-term testing.<\/u>
3- Only a radon test can provide information on the presence or absence of excessive radon?
True! Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Only a test with an approved radon detector can determine its presence.
4- My home is new, so radon cannot be present!
False! Recent studies show otherwise. The 2010 National Building Code prescribes measures to prevent radon from entering buildings. However, these measures appear to be ineffective. Buildings from the 1970s have about an 11% chance of exceeding the Canadian radon guideline, whereas it is 21% for newer buildings.
5- I bought a new home and tested immediately upon taking possession. Radon was just below 200 Bq/m³. I can rest easy; I will never have problems.
False! Studies show that radon levels in new buildings increase after 2 to 3 years. It is recommended to perform a new radon test after 3 years as a precaution.
6- I just installed an air exchanger, so I am safe. Right?
This is a trick question! An air exchanger can indeed reduce radon levels in a building. But only a test can show if this addition is effective or not.
7- If my home has radon levels exceeding 200 Bq/m³, I will definitely get lung cancer!
False! One thing is certain: the higher the level, the greater the risk. It’s like playing Russian roulette. It depends on the amount of radon present and the duration of exposure. Health Canada strongly recommends implementing mitigation measures to protect you and your family from this silent killer.
8- Radon is a heavy gas. I spend little time in the basement, less than 4 hours a day. My heating system is forced air, so it’s better for health.
False! Radon is indeed a heavy gas. A forced air heating system mixes indoor air throughout the building, diluting and distributing radon everywhere. A radon test is strongly recommended.
9- The Quebec Lung Association allows postal code searches on its website. I can know if my home has radon from this search!
False! Yes, the APQ offers this search service. However, this search cannot target a specific home but identifies radon incidence only in a neighborhood. Only a radon test can inform you accurately.
10- I tested and my home has radon at 800 Bq/m³. I won’t be able to sell it and will lose a lot.
False! Every problem has a solution. Generally, mitigation costs are much lower than foundation drainage or foundation instability issues. More and more people are aware of radon dangers. Correcting the issue will make selling easier because buyers will appreciate that the seller took the right steps to ensure a healthy and safe living environment for all.
11- My neighbor had a radon test exceeding the Health Canada guideline. He is not obligated to take mitigation measures?
True! As surprising as it may seem, your neighbor is not required to do anything. In fact, only about 29% of homeowners who learn of excessive radon levels take action to correct the situation. If the property is put up for sale, this will be a disadvantage for the owner. It is a choice they are free to make and for which they will bear the consequences.