City Infrastructure and Radon: The Hidden Connection
When we think about our homes, we often consider them safe havens—solid, secure, and protective. We rely on the city’s infrastructure to provide clean water, safe roads, and modern utilities to keep things running smoothly. But what if the very infrastructure that keeps our cities and suburbs functioning could also be playing a hidden role in radon exposure?
Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that can sneak into our homes without us even knowing. For suburban homeowners between the ages of 30 and 50, especially those with growing families, understanding the connection between city infrastructure and radon levels is crucial for ensuring a safe living environment.
This is especially relevant in cities like Calgary where infrastructure is currently a hot topic, as it is in other suburban areas throughout North America.
Let’s dive into this hidden connection and explore how city infrastructure may be impacting radon levels in your home—and, more importantly, what you can do to protect your family.
What Exactly Is Radon?
Before we look into the infrastructure piece, let’s get a clear understanding of what radon actually is. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that’s created when uranium breaks down in soil, rock, and water. It can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, and other entry points.
The kicker? You can’t see, smell, or taste radon. The only way to know if radon is in your home is by testing for it. Long-term exposure to high radon levels is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. For families living in suburban areas like Calgary, where homes are close to natural terrain and new developments are cropping up all the time, radon exposure is a very real concern. Learn more about radon and lung cancer from the American Cancer Society.
I remember when we moved into our first home in the suburbs. I thought the biggest issue we’d face was whether the backyard was big enough for the kids. Radon wasn’t even on my radar until a neighbor mentioned testing. Sure enough, our levels were higher than I would’ve guessed—so we installed a radon mitigation system and have been grateful ever since.
How City Infrastructure Contributes to Radon Exposure
1. Water Systems and Radon Contamination
Many suburban homes rely on city water, but did you know that radon can actually dissolve in groundwater and be brought into your home through the water supply? It’s a lesser-known fact, but if you’re using water from a private well, or if the municipal water system draws from radon-rich areas, you could be exposing your family to radon every time you take a shower or wash the dishes.
If you rely on well water, a recent study has found that "the air around the groundwater well itself is acting as a sort of super highway allowing deep underground radon to reach the surface much more quickly than it otherwise would. These houses in rural communities then have that much more radon to draw inside. To find out more, check out Rural ground wells increase risk of higher radon levels, study finds | CBC News.
It might sound far-fetched, but radon in water isn’t as rare as you’d think. It can enter groundwater when radon-rich soils or rock formations, like granite, are present near the source. Suburban developments in cities like Calgary often push into these untouched lands, creating a higher risk. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides helpful guidelines on radon in water and how it affects indoor air quality.
2. Construction Projects and Radon Seepage
If you’ve ever driven through a suburban area, you’ve probably noticed the constant construction of new homes, roads, and utilities. Large-scale infrastructure projects like highways or pipelines can disturb the ground in ways that release radon into the air. The process of blasting through rock and shifting soil can make radon escape into the surrounding environment, which can then find its way into homes.
Even small construction projects can have an impact. After a local road expansion project in our area, several homes, including ours, saw an uptick in radon levels.
It’s one of those things that you don’t think about until it happens—and it’s a reminder of how interconnected infrastructure and radon really are.
3. Suburban Expansion and Radon Risks
Suburban sprawl is great for new homeowners looking to move out of the city, but it comes with some hidden risks. New developments are often built in areas with naturally high radon potential, like regions with lots of rocky soil or close proximity to uranium deposits. When land that’s been sitting undisturbed for hundreds of years is suddenly transformed into housing tracts, it can stir up radon that was otherwise trapped underground. This is particularly relevant to fast-growing suburbs like those around Calgary.
New homes can be just as vulnerable to radon as older ones, and sometimes even more so. Many newer homes are built with energy efficiency in mind, meaning they’re more airtight to conserve energy. While this is great for your heating and cooling bills, it can also trap radon inside the house, leading to higher indoor concentrations. Learn more about radon in new homes from the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP).
How Urban Planning and Infrastructure Impact Radon Levels
Poor Drainage Systems and Radon Entry
Have you ever noticed a damp basement after a heavy rain? Poor drainage systems around suburban homes can lead to moisture buildup, which is a prime entry point for radon. When water accumulates in the soil around your foundation, it can create pressure that pushes radon into your home through cracks in the basement floor or walls.
This was a lesson we learned the hard way. After a particularly bad storm, our basement flooded, and shortly after, we tested for radon. The levels had skyrocketed compared to our last test. It turns out that poor drainage around our home was allowing radon to enter more easily than before. Installing better drainage and sealing the cracks helped mitigate the issue, but it’s something we never would have realized without testing.
Roadways and Tunnels: Radon Pathways
Proximity to major roadways or underground tunnels may also increase the likelihood of radon entering your home. These large-scale infrastructure projects disturb the natural layers of soil and rock, which can create pathways for radon to travel through the ground and enter homes.
In suburban areas where major highways have been built, homes nearby often experience higher radon levels. It’s not just the construction that’s to blame—it’s the permanent shift in the earth’s natural structure that allows radon to flow more freely. For homeowners in Calgary or similar growing cities, being aware of nearby projects is critical to staying informed about potential radon risks.
Why Every Homeowner Should Test for Radon
Testing for radon might not be at the top of your to-do list, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that all homes be tested for radon, regardless of location, because radon levels can vary dramatically even between neighboring homes. EPA’s guide to radon testing provides details on how to get started.
When Should You Test?
It’s a good idea to test when:
You’ve just moved into a new home.
There’s been nearby construction or infrastructure changes.
It’s been a few years since your last test.
You’re making renovations to your home, especially in the basement or foundation.
There are both short-term and long-term radon test kits available. Short-term tests take anywhere from two to 90 days, while long-term tests measure radon levels over a period of 90 days to a year, giving a more accurate picture of your home’s average radon levels.
Mitigating Radon in Suburban Homes
Installing Radon Mitigation Systems
If your home tests positive for high radon levels, don’t panic. Radon mitigation systems are effective and relatively affordable. These systems work by venting radon gas from beneath your home and releasing it safely into the atmosphere before it has a chance to enter your living space.
Our mitigation system was installed in just a few hours, and we’ve been breathing easier ever since. A licensed radon professional can help determine the best type of system for your home, but in most cases, it involves creating a suction point in the basement or crawlspace that draws the radon out. Radon mitigation techniques are explained by the CDC.
Radon-Resistant Construction
If you’re building a new home, consider asking for radon-resistant construction techniques. These include things like gravel layers beneath the foundation, plastic sheeting, and vent pipes that make it harder for radon to enter in the first place.
While this won’t guarantee that radon levels will stay low forever, it’s a great preventative measure, especially if you know you’re building in a radon-prone area. Learn more about radon-resistant construction.
Taking Action: How You Can Protect Your Home
Now that you know the hidden connection between city infrastructure and radon, it’s time to take action. Start by testing your home for radon and, if necessary, explore your mitigation options. If you’re concerned about nearby construction or infrastructure projects, speak with your local government or homeowner’s association about how they’re addressing radon risks in the area.
The key is to stay informed and proactive. Radon might be invisible, but with a little effort, it doesn’t have to be dangerous. After all, your home should be a place where you feel safe—and radon is one hidden danger you can do something about.
Conclusion: Why Awareness Matters
City infrastructure and suburban expansion are essential for our modern lives, but they can also contribute to radon exposure in ways we might not expect. By understanding this hidden connection and taking steps to mitigate radon, you can ensure that your home remains a safe haven for years to come.
So, if you haven’t tested your home for radon yet, consider this your sign to do so. You might just be preventing a hidden hazard from turning into a serious health risk. Learn more about radon safety from Health Canada.