Radon in Homes: What You Need to Know
Radon is something many homeowners have heard of but don’t fully understand. Recently, it’s become a topic we’ve been paying much closer attention to.
One of our clients recently discovered elevated radon levels in their home. They acted quickly and completed a professional remediation with great results. Around the same time, radon testing was also required when we purchased a new-build property, which prompted us to take a closer look at radon, how it affects homes, and why testing matters.
What Is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It can enter homes through cracks in foundations, sump pumps, floor drains, and other openings.
Because radon is colourless, odourless, and tasteless, there’s no way to detect it without testing. Once inside a home, it can accumulate over time, particularly in basements and lower levels.
Why Radon Testing Matters in Canada
According to Health Canada, long-term exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking, and the leading cause among non-smokers.
Here in Hamilton, approximately 1 in 20 homes test above the recommended radon guideline. What’s important to understand is that radon levels can vary significantly from one home to the next—even between neighbouring properties.
The only way to know your home’s radon level is to test for it.
How Radon Testing Works
The good news is that radon testing is simple, affordable, and widely accessible in Canada. Long-term test kits are recommended for the most accurate results and are typically placed in the lowest lived-in level of the home for several months.
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that free radon test kits are often available through local libraries or public health programs.
Located in Hamilton? Get your free radon testing kit here.
If elevated levels are detected, professional radon mitigation systems are highly effective and can significantly reduce radon concentrations—often within a short period of time.
What This Means for Homeowners and Buyers
For homeowners, radon testing provides peace of mind and the opportunity to address an invisible issue before it becomes a long-term concern.
For buyers, radon testing can be an important part of due diligence, particularly in regions where higher radon levels are more common. Testing allows buyers to make informed decisions and, when necessary, plan for remediation solutions that are proven and effective.
The reassuring takeaway is this: radon is manageable, testing is straightforward, and there are solutions that work!
Need Help Getting Started?
If you’re unsure where to begin, have questions about radon testing in Hamilton, or want guidance on next steps after receiving test results, we can help point you in the right direction.
At Casa Dolce Realty Group, our role goes beyond buying and selling homes. It’s about helping you feel informed, confident, and supported—so you can make decisions that protect both your investment and your wellbeing.
Until next time,
