When people think about environmental hazards in BC, they often think of wildfires, floods, or earthquakes. Yet one of the most significant risks is often invisible and inside our homes and workplaces.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate indoors. It has no colour, smell, or taste, and long-term exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
The important thing to remember is that every building has the potential to have elevated radon levels, regardless of its age, size, or whether it has a basement. While radon can be measured using commercially available detectors, the recommended approach is long-term testing (at least three months) during the heating season, typically from autumn through early spring, when buildings are more tightly sealed.
For organizations, municipalities, property owners, and employers, radon should be a part of responsible risk management. Identifying and mitigating radon exposure helps protect occupants, supports healthier indoor environments, and demonstrates a proactive approach to due diligence.
At Arcose, we’re accustomed to managing hazards. Radon reminds us that some of the most consequential risks are the ones we can’t see.
Have you incorporated radon testing into your organization’s risk management or building maintenance program? If your building hasn’t been tested or you don’t yet know the risk of radon, please feel free to reach out for our support.
