Preparing for Fall: The Impact of Seasonal Changes on Radon Levels
Fall is the perfect time to test for radon in Ontario. Discover how cooler weather affects radon levels and why testing now ensures safer air quality before winter.
Back to School: Radon Awareness for Educational Institutions
Ontario schools and daycares must prioritize radon testing to protect children’s health. Learn why radon awareness matters, what Health Canada recommends, and what questions parents should ask.
Alder Creek Radon Gas Pros Joins Forces with the Guelph & District Home Builders’ Association
Alder Creek Radon Gas Pros joins the Guelph & District Home Builders’ Association to align safety and construction expertise—building healthier homes with trusted local partners.
Radon in Rental Properties: Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants
Radon exposure isn’t just a homeowner concern—it affects renters too. This post breaks down landlord and tenant responsibilities for radon testing and mitigation in Ontario rental properties.
Radon and Real Estate: What Homebuyers and Sellers Need to Know
Radon exposure is a growing concern in real estate transactions across Southern Ontario. This article explores how radon affects property value, why testing is essential for both homebuyers and sellers, and what steps you can take to protect your investment and your health.
The True Cost of Radon: What Lung Cancer is Really Costing Canadians
When we think about home safety, we often consider fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and security systems. But what about radon—a silent, invisible, radioactive gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada? At a recent radon information conference, experts shared alarming new data highlighting the immense burden of radon-induced lung cancer on Canadians—both in human and economic terms. Let’s break it down and explore why addressing radon is not just a health issue but a financial one. The Numbers: How Radon-Linked Lung Cancer Adds Up Recent national estimates show that radon exposure leads to approximately 2,893 new lung cancer cases each year in Canada, with Ontario accounting for over 10,600 total lung cancer diagnoses annually—many of which are radon-related. While not every lung cancer case stems from radon, the correlation is significant. Radon is responsible for about 16% of lung cancer deaths in Canada, according to Health Canada. That equates to over 500 deaths annually in Ontario alone—many of them entirely preventable. The Cost to Canadians A detailed analysis from the Canadian Radon National Study presented at the conference outlines the staggering economic toll: Average Annual Cost of radon-attributable lung cancer: $511.9 million Daily Cost: $1.4 million Hourly Cost: $58,440 Every Single Minute: $974 This includes health care expenses, lost productivity, and premature death. The human cost, however, is immeasurable. Why Ontario Homes Are at Risk Ontario is a hotbed for radon issues due to its soil composition and colder climate, which keeps homes sealed tightly in winter months—trapping radon indoors. Surprisingly, even new homes built to modern codes are not immune. Health Canada estimates 1 in 5 homes in Ontario have radon levels above the safe guideline of 200 Bq/m³. Radon Mitigation Is Affordable—and Life-Saving While the financial cost of lung cancer is in the hundreds of millions, the cost to test and mitigate radon is relatively low: Compare that with the average treatment cost of a single lung cancer patient—over $100,000—and the return on investment becomes crystal clear. Protecting Your Home and Family If you haven’t tested your home for radon, especially in Ontario, now is the time. Long-term radon test kits are easy to use and should be deployed during colder months when windows and doors stay shut. If your levels exceed Health Canada’s guideline, certified radon mitigation professionals can help bring those levels down quickly and safely. Final Thought: Prevention Saves Lives and Dollars The financial data is sobering, but the takeaway is clear: radon is a preventable killer. We can avoid thousands of lung cancer cases and save millions in health care costs each year simply by testing our homes and taking action. It’s a small step with life-changing results.
Understanding Radon Levels: What Your Test Results Mean
Radon testing is essential for home safety, but understanding your results is just as important. Learn what different radon levels mean and how to take action if needed.
Understanding Radon Gas and Tarion’s Warranty Coverage
Radon Gas: A Growing Concern for Homeowners In recent years, awareness of radon gas exposure has increased, especially among new home buyers. Health Canada released a report in 2012 stating that long-term exposure to radon gas could be responsible for up to 16% of lung cancer cases. As a result, more attention is being given to radon-related risks and mitigation measures in residential properties. Tarion’s Warranty Coverage for Radon Gas Tarion has established guidelines for addressing radon gas claims under its home warranty coverage. If radon levels exceed Health Canada’s recommended limit of 200 Bq/m³, the issue is eligible for coverage under Tarion’s warranty program. To ensure consistency in warranty decisions, Tarion employees follow a specific set of guidelines when evaluating radon-related claims. Radon Warranty Coverage Breakdown First-Year Warranty: Second-Year Warranty: Years 3-7: Major Structural Defect (MSD) Coverage: Limitations of Tarion’s Radon Coverage While Tarion provides some protection for homeowners dealing with radon issues, there are limitations to what is covered: Financial Cap on Radon Claims For purchase agreements signed on or after February 1, 2021, Tarion’s maximum warranty coverage for radon gas remediation is $50,000 per home. This coverage is intended to address the costs associated with mitigating radon levels that exceed 200 Bq/m³, as per Health Canada’s guidelines. For homes with agreements signed before February 1, 2021, the previous financial cap of $15,000 per home still applies. Homeowner Requirements for a Radon Claim To file a valid radon claim with Tarion, homeowners must provide the following documentation: Next Steps for Homeowners Lack of Awareness Among Homeowners Despite the availability of radon coverage under Tarion, many homeowners remain unaware of these protections. In many cases, builders do not proactively inform buyers about radon risks or warranty coverage. As radon awareness continues to grow, it is essential for homeowners to educate themselves and take proactive steps in testing and mitigating radon in their homes. Need Help with Radon Testing or Mitigation? For professional radon testing and mitigation services, contact Alder Creek Radon Gas Pros to ensure your home is safe from radon exposure.
