The Current The danger of radon in Canadian homes
Jan 27, 2026
A Calgary man’s shock lung cancer diagnosis sparks an investigation into invisible radon in homes. The show follows high basement readings, research linking long-term exposure to cancer, and a toenail study tracking lifetime radon. It covers testing and mitigation costs, new building-code changes adding passive radon stacks, and gaps in public awareness and support.
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Healthy Non-Smoker Diagnosed With Lung Cancer
- Steve Blake was healthy, a lifelong non-smoker and active golfer before a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis shocked his family.
- He and his family began to suspect radon exposure after learning he worked daily in the basement of their Calgary home.
Radon Builds Up In Airtight Homes
- Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can accumulate in airtight Canadian homes and decays into radioactive particles that damage DNA.
- Long-term exposure to radon is the second-highest cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Millions Of Canadians At Risk
- Researchers estimate about 10 million Canadians live in homes with high radon levels and cases have more than doubled since 2012.
- Rising radon exposure may help explain why lung cancer rates persist despite falling smoking rates.