It is found at varying levels all over the world. In outside air, radon is present in low concentrations. Radon can also be a problem in other types of buildings like small office buildings and schools. Because radon is an odorless, colorless gas, we need to use a special monitoring device to detect and measure it. The Ministry of Health estimates that about 100 people a year die of radon induced lung cancer in the Province of British Columbia.
Radon likely causes more lung cancers than second hand tobacco smoke.
The risk of developing radon-related lung cancer depends on the concentration of radon in the air as well as how long you are exposed. Short-term exposures do not result in any significant change in risk. These survey results show that radon is not a problem in the province's coastalregions. The surveys were carried out to give a general idea of probable radon levels in B.C. communities. Without testing, it is impossible to tell which particular houses in a given area may have elevated levels of radon.