What is radon?
Radon gas is invisible, odourless, and tasteless. It comes from the ground when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. Uranium occurs naturally in many types of rock. Radon gas breaks down to form radioactive elements that can be inhaled and cause health risks. When radon gas is released from the ground into the outdoor air, it is diluted, so exposure to radon outdoors is not a concern. However, when radon enters your home or another enclosed building it can accumulate to high levels and become a health risk for the people who regularly occupy the building.
What are radon levels in Okotoks?
All homes in Canada have radon gas in them. Radon levels can be elevated if there is a high amount of uranium in the underlying rock and soil, but the level inside your home depends on how easy it is for radon to get in through openings where the house contacts the ground and how well interior spaces are ventilated. Radon concentrations vary from one house to the next, so even if your house is a similar design to your neighbour’s, the radon levels can be different. The only way to know the radon level in your home is to test.
Book a Monitor
The Town of Okotoks offers free electronic radon monitors that can be booked by Okotoks residents for a period of one week at no cost. This short duration measurement can give you a snapshot of radon levels in your home but should not replace long-term testing. Read on to learn more about how to proceed with long-term testing.
