Don’t let radon ruin your retirement

(NC) As we approach or start to enjoy the first years of our retirement, many of us plan to stay in the same home we raised our family in. To do so safely, you might be looking into “aging in place” measures. These include adding grab bars in the bathroom, widening doorways for easier access for a wheelchair or walker, and adding additional lighting to make it easier to see potential tripping hazards. Before you undergo any renovations to make your home safer and more comfortable for your retirement years, you should take one simple step: have your home tested for radon.

Radon is an odourless, tasteless gas that is also the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in the ground. Outside, it’s naturally dissipated by the breeze. But in indoor spaces, such as your basement, the gas can accumulate to dangerous levels.

The only way to know if you have high radon levels in your home is to test for it. You can buy a DIY testing kit online or hire a certified radon expert to conduct the test.

If your home has elevated levels there are relatively easy and affordable ways to fix it. A mitigation system can be installed in about a day and will lower radon levels by up to 90 per cent. These systems cost about the same as installing a new furnace or air conditioner.

Learn more about radon testing at takeactiononradon.ca.