Radon and Childhood Leukemia - What Every Suburban Homeowner Needs to Know
There's been increased news coverage lately about the link between radon and childhood leukemia, and as a parent, the safety of your family is always a top priority. You’ve likely childproofed your home, installed smoke detectors, and created a cozy, safe space for your kids to grow up in. But what if there’s a hidden danger lurking in your home that you can’t see, smell, or taste? We’re talking about radon—a radioactive gas that could be putting your family, especially your children, at risk. In this article, we’ll explore the potential link between radon exposure and childhood leukemia, and what you, as a homeowner, can do to protect your loved ones.
What is Radon, and Why Should You Care?
Most homeowners have heard of radon, but many aren’t quite sure what it is or why it’s dangerous. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium in the soil. It seeps into homes through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, or even through the soil beneath your home. While radon levels outdoors are usually low, they can accumulate to dangerous levels inside homes, especially in basements or lower levels.
Why should this matter to you? Because long-term exposure to elevated radon levels is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. But recent research suggests that radon might also be linked to childhood leukemia, which is where things get even more concerning for families.
The Link Between Radon and Childhood Leukemia
Childhood leukemia, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), is the most common type of cancer in children. It affects the blood and bone marrow, leading to the production of abnormal white blood cells. While the exact cause of childhood leukemia is still not fully understood, studies are increasingly showing a potential connection between radon exposure and an increased risk of leukemia in children.
What Does the Science Say?
Several studies have found that children living in homes with higher radon levels have an increased risk of developing leukemia. One major study conducted in Europe found that children exposed to high radon levels had a significantly higher risk of developing leukemia compared to children in homes with lower levels of radon. Though more research is needed to establish a definitive link, the evidence is strong enough to make any parent want to take action.
One key reason why children might be more vulnerable to radon exposure is their rapid rate of growth and cell division, which makes them more susceptible to the effects of radiation. On top of that, children tend to spend more time indoors, increasing their exposure to radon compared to adults.
Is Your Suburban Home at Risk?
If you live in a suburban area, you might think your home is safe from radon. After all, suburban homes tend to have larger lots and newer construction, right? Unfortunately, radon doesn’t care about that. It can affect any home, new or old, big or small, and levels can vary significantly even between neighboring homes.
Why Suburban Homes May Have Higher Radon Levels
One of the main reasons radon levels can be higher in suburban homes is due to the soil. Many suburban developments are built on land that was once undisturbed or farmland. As the ground is dug up and homes are built, radon can find its way through the soil and into your home’s foundation.
Additionally, newer homes, especially those built to be energy-efficient, are often tightly sealed to conserve heat and reduce energy costs. While this is great for your heating bill, it can also trap radon inside your home, allowing levels to build up.
How to Test for Radon in Your Home
The good news is that testing for radon is simple and affordable. At Spectra Radon, we always recommend starting with a short-term radon test. This can be as quick as 48 hours, and you’ll have a basic idea of the radon levels in your home. If levels are elevated, you might want to follow up with a long-term radon test, which provides a more accurate reading over several months.
You can buy radon test kits online or at your local hardware store, or you can hire a professional to perform the test for you. Professional radon testing offers peace of mind because experts like us use specialized equipment and provide precise results.
For those curious about national standards and how to interpret radon test results, Health Canada recommends taking action if radon levels in your home exceed 200 becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m³). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) sets its action level even lower, at 148 Bq/m³ (4 pCi/L).
What to Do If Your Home Has High Radon Levels
So, you’ve tested your home and found elevated radon levels—what now? Don’t panic. Radon mitigation systems are highly effective at reducing radon levels and ensuring your home is safe for your family. These systems typically involve a process called active soil depressurization where a pipe and fan system is installed to vent radon gas from beneath your home’s foundation to the outside.
While it might sound complicated, radon mitigation is a straightforward process when handled by certified professionals. At Spectra Radon, we specialize in designing and installing these systems, making sure that your home is safe for years to come.
DIY vs. Professional Mitigation
Although some homeowners might be tempted to try a DIY solution, we strongly recommend hiring a C-NRPP certified radon professional. Proper installation is crucial, and mistakes can lead to ineffective systems or even higher radon levels. Plus, professional radon mitigators can ensure that your system is tailored to your home’s unique layout and foundation type.
How to Protect Your Family from Radon Exposure
The best way to protect your family from radon exposure is to stay informed and take preventive steps. Here are some tips to ensure your home remains radon-free:
Test your home regularly: Even if you’ve tested before, radon levels can fluctuate due to changes in the soil, foundation shifts, or even home renovations. We recommend retesting every two to five years.
Seal cracks in your foundation: While this won’t solve high radon levels on its own, sealing cracks can help reduce the amount of radon that enters your home.
Improve ventilation: Proper ventilation, especially in basements and lower levels, can help dilute radon levels. Installing Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) can be a good option if you live in a region with high radon levels.
By taking these steps, you’ll create a safer environment for your family and reduce the risk of potential health issues down the road.
Advocating for Radon Awareness in Your Community
One of the best ways to protect your family and others in your neighborhood is by spreading awareness about radon. The fact is, most people don’t think about radon until it’s too late, and only 1 in 10 Canadian homes have been tested for radon.
Why not bring up the topic during your next HOA meeting, or share this article with your neighbors on social media? You could even talk to your child's school or local community center about promoting radon awareness. The more people who know about the risks of radon, the more lives we can save.
A Personal Note
I’ve seen firsthand how serious the radon problem can be. A few years ago, I worked with a family who had no idea their home had dangerously high radon levels until they tested it. They were shocked and even more worried when they found out their daughter had been spending most of her time in the basement, where the levels were the highest. Thankfully, they acted quickly, and we were able to install a mitigation system that reduced the radon levels to a safe range.
This experience has stayed with me because it showed how crucial awareness and early testing can be. As a parent myself, I know how easy it is to overlook invisible risks like radon, but with the right information and action, it’s possible to protect your family.
Take Action Today to Keep Your Home Safe
In the end, the link between radon and childhood leukemia is another reminder of why it’s so important to stay on top of home safety. Radon may be invisible, but its effects are real—and with the right steps, you can minimize the risks and give your family peace of mind.
If you haven’t tested your home for radon yet, now is the perfect time. At Spectra Radon, we’re here to help you every step of the way, from testing to mitigation and everything in between. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you keep your home safe.