REGINA — A radioactive gas linked to lung cancer is seeping into homes across Regina and Saskatchewan, and experts say many residents have no idea it’s there.
Radon is a naturally occurring gas released when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. Saskatchewan has some of the highest uranium concentrations in the country. That means homes across the province face a greater risk of elevated radon levels.
According to government and health experts, Saskatchewan’s radon risk is higher than the national average. A national survey once showed about seven per cent of Canadian homes above the guideline, but in Saskatchewan that number was about 16 per cent, and in some local regions, repeated testing suggests many more homes exceed safe levels.
Dr. David Torr, who has studied radon in the Regina area, says this isn’t just about old houses. Any home can be affected. Cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes and soil conditions allow radon to seep inside. Because Regina’s winter keeps homes tightly sealed, radon can accumulate more easily during the cold months.
“Years ago, Saskatchewan was already sticking out like a sore thumb,” Torr said, pointing to early federal testing that showed the province well above the national average.
“The only way to know how much radon you have is to test,” Torr says.
He stressed that even new houses can trap radon because of how well they’re insulated, making indoor air quality worse if action isn’t taken.
He describes radon exposure as unpredictable.
“I call it almost like Russian roulette,” Torr said. “You can breathe it in and nothing happens. Or it can break down in your lungs and release radiation that damages cells.”
Torr warns that the danger increases over time.
“It’s not one day of exposure that causes the problem. It’s long-term, continuous exposure that raises the risk,” he said.
How radon testing works
Testing for radon is straightforward and inexpensive, but critical.
People can buy or borrow a test kit. Long-term radon test kits, like those recommended by health professionals, measure home’s radon levels over at least three months, ideally in fall or winter.
Regina Public Library offers radon detectors people can borrow, making it easier for residents to test their homes without cost barriers.
Certified experts can also assess radon levels and advise on mitigation if results are high.
Torr says following instructions carefully is key.
“If you don’t place the test properly or leave it long enough, you won’t get an accurate reading,” he said.
What to do if your levels are high
If your test shows radon above Health Canada’s guideline, Torr recommends to consider hiring a certified radon mitigation professional to install a system that vents radon gas from beneath a home to the outside.
Basic methods like sealing cracks and improving basement ventilation can reduce radon entry.
Some homeowners use continuous monitors for ongoing readings, which help track changes over time.
For many, mitigation systems significantly cut radon levels. Studies show more than 80 per cent reduction is possible.
“It has become cheaper over time to mitigate,” Torr said. “There are certified professionals who know exactly how to bring levels down safely.”
Why this matters
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second-leading cause overall, after smoking. That means even people who have never smoked are at risk if their home has elevated radon.
“If you smoke and you have high radon exposure, it’s not double the risk. It can be several times higher,” Torr said.
Health officials estimate that at least 100 lung cancer deaths in Saskatchewan each year may be linked to radon.
Torr says awareness remains the biggest challenge.
“People don’t think about it because they can’t see it or smell it,” he said. “But it is there.”
More information on how to keep home safe is available on the Lung Sask website.
“Get to know that radon does exist in Saskatchewan,” Torr said. “Test your house and get advice. It’s about protecting yourself and your family.”
