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Radon gas is produced naturally and comes from the Earth itself.

What produces radon gas?

Radon is created when uranium (and, to a lesser extent, thorium) in rocks and soil naturally breaks down (radioactive decay).

Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, which makes it hard to detect without testing.

Where is radon located?

Radon is found mainly in:

• Soil and rock beneath the ground

• Groundwater (especially from wells)

• Air inside buildings, particularly:

• Basements

• Crawl spaces

• Ground-level rooms

It enters buildings through:

• Cracks in foundations

• Gaps around pipes

• Floor drains

• Construction joints

Key points

• Radon exists everywhere, but levels vary by location and geology

• Outdoor radon levels are usually low and harmless

• Indoor radon can build up to unsafe levels, especially in poorly ventilated homes

If you want, I can also explain:

• Why radon is a health concern

• How radon is tested

• Radon levels in Canada / Ontario specifically

• How homes reduce radon exposure

You see more radon gas in houses and basements, not in high buildings.

Where radon levels are highest

1. Basements (highest risk)

• Radon comes from the soil

• Basements are in direct contact with the ground

• Cracks and gaps allow radon to seep in

2. Houses (especially ground-floor rooms)

• Single-family homes often sit directly on soil

• Poor ventilation can allow radon to accumulate

3. High-rise buildings (lowest risk)

• Upper floors are far from the ground

• Radon disperses as it rises

• Better air circulation reduces buildup

Simple rule to remember

Closer to the ground = higher radon levels

Exceptions

• Ground-floor units of high-rises can still have elevated radon

• Buildings with poor ventilation may trap radon regardless of height

How to test for radon in your home:

Experts say the only way to know if your home contains a high amount of radon is to test for it.

The process is simple: You can either hire a radon measurement professional or buy your own test kit. (Some communities provide free radon monitors through libraries or local public health units. You can find out more information through the federal Take Action on Radon program.)

Health Canada recommends testing your home for at least 91 days, and ideally for a period of three to 12 months to get the most accurate results. It’s also important to test during the colder months when windows and doors are likely shut, trapping more radon in your home. (Lauren Pelley, CBC)