What is radon, and how can you protect your property (and your tenants) from exposure?
If you’re a property owner in Canada, there’s a hazard you can’t see, smell, or hear—but it could be harming your tenants right now. It’s called radon gas, and it’s often referred to as a “silent killer” for good reason.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes through foundations, floors, and walls. Once inside, it builds up quietly over time and the long-term health effects are serious. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada, after smoking. Health Canada estimates that radon exposure is responsible for approximately 3,200 deaths every year in this country alone.
For landlords, especially those managing older homes or properties with basements, it’s a risk that’s too important to ignore. And for tenants, many of whom aren’t aware radon exists, there’s a growing expectation that indoor air quality will be monitored and maintained as part of a safe living space.
At Canopy mgmt, we believe proactive property care includes managing what you can’t see—and radon gas is at the top of that list. In this blog, we’ll walk through what radon is, how it enters homes, the side effects of radon poisoning, and how you can test and mitigate exposure in your rental property.
Let’s help you protect both your tenants and your investment.
What is radon—and why is it so dangerous?
Radon gas forms naturally when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It’s invisible, odourless, and tasteless, which makes it nearly impossible to detect without proper testing. Outdoors, it disperses harmlessly into the air. But indoors—especially in enclosed spaces like basements—it can accumulate to dangerous levels.
According to Health Canada, about 7% of Canadian homes have high radon levels that exceed national safety guidelines. And because radon gas in Canadian homes can vary widely—even from one house to the next on the same street—guesswork simply isn’t an option.
Over time, inhaling radon gas can damage the lining of the lungs and increase the risk of lung cancer. What’s most concerning is that the effects are slow and silent, often developing over years without any symptoms. That’s why it’s earned the title of a “silent killer”.
The health effects of radon exposure
Radon isn’t just some far-off risk. It’s here, it’s common and it’s harmful over time. Once radon gas enters your lungs, it starts to damage the lining bit by bit. You won’t feel it. You won’t see it. But the long-term effects can be serious.
Health Canada estimates that radon is responsible for about 3,200 lung cancer deaths in Canada every year, making it the second leading cause after smoking. That number is hard to ignore—especially since it’s completely preventable.
What makes radon so dangerous is that there are no obvious symptoms. No cough, no headaches, no smell. People can live in a home for years with elevated levels and have no idea. That’s why regular testing is important, not just for peace of mind, but for your long-term health.
How radon gas gets into Canadian homes
You don’t need a crack in your foundation the size of a canyon for radon to sneak in. This odourless, invisible “silent killer” makes its way up naturally from the ground and can enter homes through the tiniest gaps—around pipes, sump pumps, unfinished floors, or even poorly sealed foundation walls.
Once inside, radon gas can accumulate to unsafe levels, especially in basements and lower levels where ventilation is limited. It’s not about the age or style of the home either—even new, well-built houses can be affected. In fact, airtight homes often trap radon more easily.
Since radon gas in Canadian homes is more common than most people realise, the only way to truly know your exposure risk is to test for it. And yes, it’s easier and more affordable than you might think.
How to test and reduce radon in your home
If you’re wondering what is radon in homes and whether you should be concerned—it’s not just a “maybe” anymore. Every Canadian homeowner or landlord should be proactive about radon.
Thankfully, testing for radon is simple and inexpensive.
You can purchase a long-term radon gas sensor or test kit online, from hardware stores, or through government programmes. Health Canada recommends testing for a minimum of 91 days, ideally during colder months when windows stay closed. Once complete, your kit is sent to a lab to analyse the radon levels in your home.
If results come back high (above 200 Bq/m³), don’t panic—radon can be reduced. The most effective solution is a radon mitigation system, typically a sub-slab depressurisation system installed by a certified professional. These systems vent radon gas from beneath your home to the outside before it ever enters your living space.
Other ways to help lower radon levels:
- Seal cracks in floors and foundation walls
- Improve ventilation with HRV or ERV systems
- Ensure your sump pump is properly covered and sealed
- Schedule regular inspections and maintenance with your property manager
For rental property owners, this is both a safety measure and a part of your duty of care. Addressing radon helps protect tenants, reduce liability, and uphold your property’s long-term value.
Protecting your home—and the people in it
Radon may be invisible, but its impact is very real. As the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada, this deadly killer affects thousands of families each year—often without any warning signs. The good news? It’s also one of the easiest risks to manage with the right steps.
No matter if you own a family home, an investment property, or a rental unit, testing for radon is a simple way to protect your health and your long-term investment. And if mitigation is needed, the fix is both proven and permanent.
At Canopy mgmt, we believe property care goes far beyond the surface. Our property management and maintenance team can help you stay on top of essential safety tasks like radon testing, filter changes, and more—so you don’t have to do it alone.
If you’re ready to take a proactive step in protecting your home, reach out to our team today.
