More than 10 million Canadians living in homes with 'high radon,' report says

A new report suggests that Canadians' exposure to a radioactive gas is increasing, putting millions of people at a higher risk of developing lung cancer.

A new report suggests that Canadians' exposure to a radioactive gas is increasing, putting millions of people at a higher risk of developing lung cancer.

The data from the University of Calgary's 2024 Cross-Canada Survey of Radon Exposure shows 18 per cent of Canadian homes contain high levels of radon gas that exceeds Health Canada's acceptable standards.

This means that approximately 10.3 million Canadians are exposed to the dangerous gas inside their own homes.

"In the 12 years since we released the first Cross Canada Radon Report, evidence has continued to emerge showing that the number of high-radon homes has been increasing," said Dr. Pawel Mekarski, with Health Canada's national radon program, in a statement.

"The 2024 survey represents a more up-to-date snapshot of radon levels across the country, highlighting the importance of protecting Canadians from residential radon exposure.

Radon is a colourless, odourless and radioactive gas and the second-largest contributor to lung cancer worldwide.