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1 in 10 Toronto Homes With High Radon Levels

January 7, 2012 3:01 am Leave a Comment

We are presently finding that an average of 1 in 10 of homes we have tested for radon gas in the GTA and surrounding communities are above the ‘action levels’ set by Health Canada.

Occurrence of Radon

Levels of radon vary from place to place and even from house to house within a given area. The higher the uranium content of the rocks that underlie an area, the greater the likelihood that houses in the area will contain elevated levels of radon. The only way to know if you have a radon problem is to test. It’s quick, easy, and inexpensive.

What is the likelihood of a High Radon Test in the GTA?

At present there is no Radon map of the Greater Toronto Area but we might infer some things from the map of Canada below. Please be reminded that levels of Radon vary from place to place and even from house to house within a given area. The data seems to show that there is generally a lower average of high tests in homes very close to the great lakes (5-10 miles). Geologists have suggested this may be because these homes are built on old lake bottoms with clay silt layers. These lower averages still result in a percentage of homes above ‘action levels’ for Radon Gas. Remember, the only way to know is to test.

Do not use this map as “don’t need to test for radon here”.

Our two highest levels in homes – 16650 bq/m3 and 8775 bq/m3 –were found in homes that were in the elevated and guarded areas on this map.

Every home old or new, big or small, has the potential to be high in radon. Please test your home and  if you have a high test, consider your options for radon mitigation (repair).

Please be reminded that levels of Radon vary from place to place and significant differences from house to house within a given area. If your neighbour has had a low test it doesn’t mean that your home will be low as well.

Remember, the only way to know if your Toronto area home has high radon levels is to test.

Have you experienced a high radon test result? Share your story for the benefit of others below.