Could your Quinte area or Prince Edward County home increase your risk of developing cancer? Living in the Quinte area and Prince Edward County offers many advantages, like proximity to beautiful beaches, safe, family-friendly communities, and fewer air pollutants than living in the big city—but an invisible danger lurks in our area…
Radon.
In 2019-2020, a study by Hastings Prince Edward Public Health estimated that 45.5% of homes in the area have radon levels at or above the World Health Organization’s safety guideline. As part of our commitment to community well-being, the Quinte Living team aims to increase awareness of radon and the steps homeowners can take to ensure their homes are safe and healthy environments.
What is radon?
Radon is a colourless and odourless radioactive gas that can present long-term health risks at high levels of exposure. It is the #1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers in Canada.
It originates from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. Without proper ventilation, it can accumulate at unsafe levels in homes, particularly below ground level.
Advice for Homeowners
Regular Testing: Every homeowner should test their home for radon, regardless of past results or the results of nearby properties. Radon levels can change over time due to factors like alterations to your home, changes in land use, or even shifts in weather patterns. Testing kits are available for short-term (7 to 90 days) and long-term (more than 90 days) periods, with long-term tests providing a more accurate assessment of your home’s radon level.
Mitigation and Safety: If your home tests above the Health Canada action guideline of 200 becquerels per cubic metre, it’s crucial to take action. Measures like sealing foundation cracks, improving home ventilation, or installing a radon mitigation system can significantly reduce radon levels. Most homes with HRV systems are at a lower risk of radon buildup due to the consistent circulation of air within the home. We recommend consulting a certified professional to tackle the issues specific to your property.
Maintaining Your Home’s Safety: Continual monitoring and occasional retesting, especially after home renovations or major changes in local construction, can help ensure radon levels remain low. Keep records of test results and any mitigation efforts, which can be beneficial for your peace of mind and valuable information for potential buyers in the future.
Advice for Potential Homebuyers
If you’re considering purchasing a home in the Quinte area or Prince Edward County, we recommend researching radon levels as part of your buying process. Be aware that radon levels can differ widely, even between neighbouring properties. One home may be fine, while the house next door records high levels of radon gas and requires action to mitigate the risks.
Ask your real estate agent for help in seeking information about radon gas in the areas you’re considering buying a house.
Radon might seem scary, but you can protect your health by understanding and managing the risks. A home with a high radon reading can be fixed so you and your family can live safely in the space. For homeowners and potential homebuyers alike, you can make informed, proactive decisions for your property or prospective property. Reach out to us any time for guidance—we’re always here to help you with all things real estate!
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