What is Radon?
You can't see Radon. It's a colorless, odorless gas. It is also radioactive. It's formed by the disintegration of radium, which is produced when uranium decays. You can't smell it or taste it but it may be a problem in your home or business. Radon is estimated to cause many thousands of deaths each year. That's because when you breathe air containing radon, you can get lung cancer.
Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon can be found all over Canada. It can get into any type of building - homes, offices, and schools - and result in a high indoor radon level. You are more likely to receive the most exposure at home, as that is where that majority of people spend the most time.
Should I consider testing for radon if I am buying a home?
Testing of private homes for radon is currently not required during real estate transactions in Canada. However, if you are concern about the radon levels of a home that you are considering purchasing, you can always request that a thorough house inspection be conducted to include radon testing as a condition of your offer.
There are a number of companies that will test for radon:
http://www.environmentalservicesgroup.ca/radon.php
http://www.radondetect.ca/store/home.php?cat=243
Some links you may find interesting:
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/07/22/f-radon-homes.html
http://www.yourhome.ca/homes/article/629289
http://www.toronto.ca/health/radon.htm