About Radon
Online Interactive Map for Viewing Potential for Radon in Indoor Air
This application was developed to show areas of Nova Scotia where people are more likely to be exposed to radon in indoor air.
Radon (Rn) is a naturally occurring, colourless and odourless gas that is radioactive and known to cause lung cancer. In fact, Rn is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and the leading cause of the disease among nonsmokers (World Health Organization, 2009). Radon is generated naturally from the radioactive decay of uranium. Both elements are found in varying amounts in all the soils and rocks throughout the province (Goodwin et al., 2009, 2010a).
Testing is the only way to find out how much radon is in your home, so it is important to test no matter where you live. Some areas of Nova Scotia have a higher risk of radon because of the local geology. The radon risk map for Nova Scotia from the Department of Natural Resources shows areas with high, medium and low risk. Test results have shown that 40% of buildings in the high risk areas exceed the radon guideline. In the medium risk areas, 14% of buildings exceed the guideline and in the low risk areas 5% exceed the guideline. These results tell us that even homes in low risk areas should be tested. Do-it-yourself radon testing kits can be ordered on-line from the Lung Association of Nova Scotia.
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