Radon is a radioactive gas that you cannot see, smell or taste, and it can get into your home undetected. It can be a health hazard when it enters enclosed spaces in your home, typically through cracks, openings in the foundation or gaps around pipes, and accumulates to a high level. Long-term exposure to radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
Although radon levels vary significantly across the country, it is important for all households to test for it, since it is a common element found everywhere in the Earth’s crust. And, as our recently released data from the Households and the Environment Survey indicate, there continues to be a lack of awareness.
Over 4 in 10 households unaware of radon; slight increase in test results indicating a problem
Less than 6 in 10 Canadian households (58%) said they had heard of radon in 2023, up slightly from 2021 (56%) and considerably higher than in 2013 (45%). Of households that had heard of radon in 2023, almost three-quarters of them (73%) said it was a health hazard, and two-thirds (66%) could give a correct description of it.
The proportion of households that had heard of radon was slightly higher for those not living in apartments (62%) in 2023. Nearly one in eight of those households (12%) had tested for radon, most of them within the last 10 years.
In 2023, 13% of households that were tested received a result that indicated a problem, up slightly from 10% in 2021.
Testing rates vary by province
Higher proportions of households not living in apartments in New Brunswick (19%), Nova Scotia (18%) and Saskatchewan (17%) tested for radon, while those in British Columbia (7%), Ontario (10%) and Prince Edward Island (11%) were less likely to.
According to the Cross-Canada Radon Survey, approximately one in five people residing in Canada live in buildings with radon levels at or above the current guideline, with rates varying because of factors such as region, municipality and building type.
You can help
Health Canada is seeking interested Canadians to participate in a radon study. Your participation can help Health Canada review and update radon risk guidance and resources to address gaps and reflect the most current evidence and situation in Canada.
For the latest resources on radon, including information on testing your home, visit the web page Radon: Resources.
📲 Looking for more? Staying informed has never been easier!
Follow the “Environment” subject in the StatsCAN app to receive personalized updates and stay connected with the most recent articles, reports and analyses.
Contact information
For more information, contact the Statistical Information Service (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; infostats@statcan.gc.ca) or Media Relations (statcan.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.statcan@statcan.gc.ca).