Radon 101: What You Need to Know
• Radon is a natural radioactive gas that comes from the ground and can build up inside homes.
• You can’t see, smell, or taste radon – the only way to know your level is to test.
• In parts of Nova Scotia, about 1 in 3 homes are expected to be above Health Canada’s guideline (200 Bq/m³).
• Every home is different. Two houses on the same street can have very different radon levels.
Why Radon Matters for Your Health
- Radon is the #2 cause of lung cancer after smoking.
- The risk increases the higher your radon level is and the longer you are exposed.
- Smokers and former smokers are at even higher risk when radon levels are high.
- Children and people who spend more time at home can also be more affected.
Radon in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia has some of the highest radon readings in Canada. Roughly 36–40% of homes in some areas are expected to be above the safe guideline. Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) has many higher‑risk pockets where testing is strongly recommended.
How to Stay Safe from Radon
Step 1: Test Your Home
Step 2: Mitigation Design
Step 3: Confirmed Safety
Step 1: Test your home with a professional test or long‑term kit.
Step 2: If levels are high, a certified contractor designs a mitigation system for your home.
Step 3: After installation, follow‑up testing confirms that levels are back down to a safer range.
What Mitigation Looks Like
Most homes can be fixed with a discreet pipe and fan system that draws radon from under the slab and vents it safely outside. Good systems run quietly in the background and are designed to protect your family for the long term. In many cases, mitigation can reduce radon levels by 70–90% or more.
Common Radon Myths vs. Facts
Myth: “My home is new, so I don’t need to worry about radon.”
Fact: New, energy‑efficient homes can actually trap more radon inside if it’s present in the soil.
Myth: “If my neighbour’s test was fine, my home is fine too.”
Fact: Radon levels can change from house to house, even on the same street. The only way to know is to test your own home.
Myth: “I don’t have a basement, so radon isn’t a problem.”
Fact: Radon can enter through any ground‑level contact – slabs, crawlspaces, and foundations.
Myth: “Radon is only a concern for smokers.”
Fact: Radon increases lung cancer risk for everyone. Smokers are at higher risk, but non‑smokers can be affected too.
Why Testing Now Makes Sense
- Radon testing is affordable and can be done with little or no disruption to your daily life.
- Fixing a radon problem usually costs less than many other home projects – and directly protects your family’s health.
- Testing now gives you peace of mind, clearer information for future real‑estate plans, and a simple path to mitigation if needed.