What is Radon?
Radon is an invisible radioactive gas that comes from the ground and is in every home in Canada. It’s the #1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. You can't smell, taste or see radon. But it's easy to test for and easy to reduce to safe levels.
Free Take Action on Radon Kits for residents of Haliburton County
To register for a free Take Action on Radon kit
Pick up Locations:
Lakelands Public Health Haliburton Office
191 Highland St, Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0
Haliburton County Public Library, Dysart Branch
78 Maple Ave, Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0
Haliburton County Public Library, Wilberforce Branch
1101 Holmes Rd, Wilberforce, ON K0L 3C0
Lakelands Public Health plans to offer more radon test kits in the region… follow on social media for more information or check back here for more updates
Radon in the News!
Listen to County Closeup's interview on Canoe FM, to hear local homeowners share how a radon test helped them uncover serious issues, plus insights from Sue Shikaze, Health Promoter at Lakelands Public Health.
From CBC News The National, "The Cancer-Causing Gas Hiding in Millions of Homes".
Radon and Your Health
In Canada, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. People who smoke and are exposed to radon are at even higher risk of lung cancer.
The health risk from radon exposure is long term and often dependent on many things, including:
Some households may be eligible to receive financial support through the Lungs Matter Home Radon Mitigation Grant Program, made available by the Lung Health Foundation
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Radon can come out of the soil and seep into cracks, openings and gaps in your home. This is especially true on lower floors, basements or crawl spaces. All homes contain some level of radon. Levels will vary from one house to another, even right next door. The only way to be sure of the radon level in your home is to test. |
Testing for radon is easy. There are two ways to test a home for radon:
Radon levels can vary by day and week and month, so it’s important to measure radon for at least three months (91 days). It is recommended to test between October to April.
Some local public libraries lend radon monitors. These are different from radon test kits, and can be used as a first step to determine if you should complete a full radon test. The Haliburton County Public Library, Kawartha Lakes Public Library, Peterborough Public Library, and the Trent Hills Public Library (Campbellford) have radon monitors available for residents to borrow.
Understanding Your Test Results
Health Canada recommends indoor air radon levels be below 200 becquerels per cubic metre (200 Bq/m3). If a long-term (3-6 months) radon detection test determines your home to be above that level, consult a certified radon professional (1-855-722-6777). Levels above 600 Bq/m3 should be remediated within one year; levels between 200 and 600 Bq/m3 should be remediated within two years.
In Ontario, newly built homes have a Tarion Warranty for radon remediation. If levels are above the guidelines set by Health Canada (200Bg/m3), this warranty should cover remediation costs.
For Everyone:
Radon – Canadian Cancer Society
Radon – CARex (Carcinogen Exposures) Canada
Radon – Health Canada
Radon - What you need to know - Health Canada Fact Sheet
Naturally-Occurring Elevated Radon – Port Hope Area Initiative
For Homeowners:
A Homeowner’s Guide to Radon – Canadian Real Estate Association
Resources for Homeowners – Take Action on Radon
For Homeowners – Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists
Evict Radon: Action, Empowerment, and Education
For Parents:
Reducing Radon – Canadian Partnership For Children’s Health and Environment
For Healthcare Providers:
Mitigation Support:
Last Updated: October 5, 2026
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