Is radon seeping into your home from under the ground? A new national survey suggests the number of Canadians affected by this colourless and odourless radioactive gas is rising. That is a concern because long-term exposure to radon can lead to lung cancer.

What is radon?

Rocks and soil deep underground contain uranium and thorium. As these two radioactive metals break down, they become another radioactive metal called radium. When radium breaks down, it turns into radon gas. This gas makes its way to the surface, where it disappears into the atmosphere.