Based on Health Canada’s 2010 study:
7% of Canadian homes have Radon levels above the Canadian acceptable level of 200 Bq/m3
24.8% of New Brunswick homes have Radon levels above the Canadian acceptable level of 200 Bq/m3. The highest percentage in the country.
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/radiation/radon/index-eng.php
Radon is the #2 cause of lung cancer behind smoking!
How can radon affect my health?
As Radon breaks down, it forms radioactive particles that can get lodged into your lung tissue as you breathe. The Radon particles then release energy that can damage your lung cells. When lung cells are damaged, they have the potential to result in cancer. Not everyone exposed to radon will develop lung cancer, and the time between exposure and the onset of the disease can take many years.
Long-term exposure to Radon is linked to approximately 16% of lung cancer deaths in Canada. It is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and the leading cause of lung cancer for people who have never smoked.
If you smoke or have smoked and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.
