Things to know about Radon

Remember: High Levels of Radon Constitute a Material Latent Defect

Did you know that radon continues to be the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers? Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive, odourless, and colourless gas that is generated through soil minerals. As the winter months approach, prime radon testing season is upon us. If radon seeps into a home, it can accumulate to dangerously high levels, especially during the colder months when homes tend to be closed up tight.

The Canadian guideline for radon is 200 becquerels per cubic metre (200 Bq/m³); higher levels are unsafe and need to be dealt with to mitigate the health risks to the property occupants. A number of homes and buildings in B.C. have levels of radon gas that exceeds the acceptable level.

Radon levels above 200 Bq/m³ constitute a material latent defect and it must be disclosed to all parties to a trade like any material latent defect known to you, before any agreement for a purchase or lease is entered into.

Radon and the Stack Effect in Condo Towers

There is a misconception among people that radon only impacts detached, semi-detached, or row home properties. If you provide strata management services, it is important to remind your strata corporation and building owner clients that radon can impact condos and other buildings as well. High radon levels in common areas can be dangerous to the health of owners and tenants who reside in the building.

In multi-family dwellings (such as condo towers) and commercial buildings, radon will typically affect spaces below grade or at ground level more than upper levels. Sometimes, however, it is the upper units which experience higher levels of radon. This is known as the “stack effect”. Because warm air rises, it can draw air up through elevator shafts and stairwells allowing radon gas to accumulate on the higher floors.

Unlike detached, semi-detached and row homes where testing is done on the lowest occupied level, strata corporations and apartment / commercial building owners should test at various points throughout the complex to ensure radon levels are safe and mitigate when they are not.

What to Do

Learn more about the impacts of radon by visiting the Government of Canada’s website. It is also prudent to ensure you understand all of your obligations by reviewing the precautions information and guidelines on BCFSA’s website.

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