What is Radon? Calgary

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is a by-product of the decay of uranium in the soil.
It is extremely prevalent in Alberta, due to our geologic conditions.
Radon gas is colourless, odourless and tasteless, making it impossible to detect without specialized testing equipment.
Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking, accounting for 3,200 lung cancer deaths in Canada, annually.
Radon bonds to micro particles present in the air which we inhale into our lungs. These radioactive particles have been found to cause injury to lung tissue.
The risk of radon exposure depends on the concentration of radon present and the length of time of exposure.
Even if you have never had a cigarette in your life, extended exposure to high levels of radon can put you at the same risk as someone who smokes a pack a day.

Any part of a building that is in contact with the ground is a potential entry point for radon.
Entry points include foundation cracks, pipe penetrations, construction joints, sump pits, and floor cleanouts.
As hot air rises in the home (The Stack Effect), air is drawn into the basement from the ground.
Naturally the basement and lower levels of any building will have the highest concentrations of radon.