What is Radon Gas?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is colourless, odourless, and invisible—meaning you cannot detect it without proper testing. Radon enters buildings through cracks in foundations, gaps around service pipes, sump pits, or unfinished floors, and once inside it can accumulate to dangerous levels.
Why Radon is Dangerous
When radon is inhaled, radioactive particles can damage the lining of the lungs. Long-term exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada, responsible for thousands of preventable deaths each year. Unlike carbon monoxide or smoke, radon exposure builds risk slowly over time, which is why ongoing awareness and testing are so important.
How Radon Moves
Radon gas travels upward through soil and rock until it reaches the surface. Outdoors, it disperses quickly and is not a concern. Indoors, however, it can accumulate—especially in lower levels of homes and buildings where ventilation is limited.
- Basements and crawlspaces often show the highest radon levels.
- Homes with poor sealing or older foundations are more vulnerable, but even new builds can have high radon.
- Levels often rise in winter when windows and doors are kept closed.
Health Canada Guidelines
Health Canada has set an action level of 200 Bq/m³. If your test results exceed this level, mitigation is strongly recommended. However, many health professionals advise lowering levels as much as possible, since there is no completely safe threshold of exposure.
Testing for Radon
Testing is the only way to know your home or business’s radon levels. Radon cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. Certified devices provide accurate readings and are available for both short-term (screening) and long-term (90-day) measurements.
Learn More About Radon Testing
Mitigation Solutions
If your home or workplace has elevated radon, mitigation systems can permanently reduce levels. The most common method is sub-slab depressurization, which prevents radon from entering and vents it safely outside. Once installed, these systems are quiet, effective, and require little maintenance.
Explore Radon Mitigation Options
Protecting Your Family
Every home in Kelowna and the Okanagan should be tested, regardless of age, design, or location. Testing is simple and inexpensive, and mitigation provides long-term protection for your family’s health.