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LEARNING MORE
Radon?
What exactly is it?
What You Need to Know About Radon
In British Columbia—especially throughout the Interior and Okanagan—Radon is becoming a growing health concern. While Radon has always been present in the natural environment, newer scientific studies have highlighted just how significant its long-term health effects can be. Research from organizations such as Evict Radon shows that many regions in Western Canada, including parts of the Okanagan Valley, experience some of the highest indoor Radon levels recorded worldwide.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas created when uranium in the soil and rock slowly breaks down. Because it has no smell, colour, or taste, the only way to know if it’s in your home is through proper testing.
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Cracks in foundation walls
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Openings in concrete floor slabs
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Gaps surrounding plumbing or service pipes
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Window frame and casing leaks
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Floor drains
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Sump pits
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Wall cavities
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Construction and expansion joints
How Does Radon Get Into Your Home?
Radon can make its way into homes and buildings through several common entry points, including:
Are Some Areas of Kelowna Safer Than Others?
Although Radon has been present in British Columbia for generations, recent studies have brought renewed attention to its long-term impact on human health. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced as uranium in the soil and rock breaks down. Because it is colourless, odourless, and invisible, it can accumulate indoors without any obvious signs.
When Radon becomes trapped inside homes or workplaces—especially during cooler months when buildings are sealed—it can build to levels that significantly increase the risk of lung cancer. Research across the Okanagan has shown that every neighbourhood in and around Kelowna can have homes with elevated Radon levels, regardless of age, location, or construction style. The only reliable way to know your home’s levels is to test.
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Your risk of developing Radon-related cancers increases with both higher concentrations and longer periods of exposure. This risk becomes even greater for individuals exposed to tobacco smoke.