{"id":8435,"date":"2026-05-25T13:59:16","date_gmt":"2026-05-25T17:59:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bissonexpert.com\/en\/blog\/radon-dans-la-maison-au-quebec-risques-test-et-solutions\/"},"modified":"2026-07-14T15:08:15","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T19:08:15","slug":"radon-in-quebec-houses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bissonexpert.com\/en\/blog\/radon-in-quebec-houses\/","title":{"rendered":"Radon in Quebec houses: risks, testing, and solutions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is still not discussed enough, despite the very real health risks it poses. If you are a homeowner or are planning renovations in your basement, it is essential that you understand the risks of radon and the solutions for reducing its concentration in your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is radon?<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium in the soil. It is invisible, odorless, and impossible to detect without specialized equipment; it can seep into homes and increase the risk of lung cancer when present in high concentrations.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n\n\n

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Why is radon a health hazard?<\/mark><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When radon is inhaled, it decays in the lungs and releases radioactive particles that damage lung cells. According to the Government of Quebec<\/a>, it is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, and the leading cause among nonsmokers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Quebec, more than 1,000 deaths per year are associated with radon, and approximately 16% of lung cancers there are linked to it (source: Canadian Cancer Society<\/a>).<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The radon risk depends on 3 factors:<\/mark><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Radon concentration<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Duration of exposure<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Tobacco use<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n\n\n\n

Homes in Quebec are often well insulated to withstand the winter, which can cause radon to build up to levels of concern. Differences in pressure between the inside and outside are exacerbated by heating in the winter, which can turn some homes into veritable \u201cradon vacuum\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How does radon get into your house?<\/mark><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Radon comes from the ground and enters buildings through areas in direct contact with the ground. Foundations are usually the main point of entry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most common sources of infiltration are:<\/mark><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n