There is a free presentation at the Cochrane RancheHouse discussing results of a 2015 radon gas study.

Last winter the University of Calgary did a project studying radon levels in homes in and around the Calgary area, and the results may surprise you.

Karin Dumais, Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (CARST), says across Canada, the Prairie provinces have the highest geological potential levels of radon.

"It really surprises people, because you somehow think this is a Canadian Shield issue when in fact it's a glacial kill issue originating and focused on the prairie provinces. So most of Alberta has the highest geological potential of radon, it does not necessarily mean you have radon in your home or building but it means the geology is there."

Dumais, says even geologists have a hard time believing the levels because there is no mineable uranium in Alberta.

"We aren't talking about mineable quantities or economically exploitable quantities of uranium, it doesn't take that to have a problem, it takes very small amounts to have a problem."

If you are wondering how radon enters your home, Dumais shares, it is found in the soil.

"Radon gas is a radioactive gas actually formed from the breakdown of uranium and it's natural in the soil but houses operate technically at lower pressure outside lower levels of the home, and homes suck it in. Homes suck in radon through gaps and cracks, foundational openings, and sumps and it can build up in a house to levels that Health Canada says should be remediated. It doesn't have any damage on teh home itself, it's an occupants exposure and a radiation hazard."

So how can radon gas affect you? 

Dumais says it is one of the number one causes of lung cancer in non smokers and never smokers, being a class 'A' carcinogen.

"This is a modifiable risk factor, quitting smoking is really difficult and smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer in smokers; but quitting radon is pretty easy, no one is addicted to radon."

Even if your home has high levels of radon, there are ways to fix the problem either on a do-it-yourself basis or by a professional.

"In many cases there are things you can do easily and inexpensively. You can seal gaps and cracks in the foundation, with spray foam or caulking. If there's an open sump that is a big conduit for radon to get into a home, apply an airtight sump lid to that; even something as running your furnace fan 24 hours a day often makes a big difference because it brings in fresh air from outside, it dilutes the radon and lowers the level."

If you are interested in finding out if if your home has high levels you can look at testing here and become part of the 2017 Citizen Scientist Project.

The free presentation is being held November 24, 7-8 pm.