![Geoscape Canada Geoscape Canada](/web/20061103032129im_/http://geoscape.nrcan.gc.ca/esst_images/geoscape_e.jpeg) Natural Resources Canada > Earth Sciences Sector > Priorities > Geoscape Canada > Ottawa-Gatineau
Geoscape Ottawa-Gatineau Indoor radon
Radon is an odourless, colourless, and tasteless radioactive
gas produced by the natural breakdown of uranium found in some rocks,
sediments, and water. Radon moves out of the ground and dilutes to
harmless levels in the atmosphere, but it can accumulate to high levels in
houses. High radon levels are associated with an increased risk of
lung cancer. Radon can enter a home through openings in basement walls and
floors. Radon concentrations in a home can be lowered by sealing
these entry points, by depressurizing the sediment around home
foundations, and by improving home ventilation.
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Did you know?... All rocks and sediments are
naturally radioactive to varying degrees. |
Radon concentrations differ greatly throughout the Ottawa
region depending mainly on the composition of the local bedrock or soil.
While the only way to determine the actual concentration of radon in a
home is by a direct measurement, geological maps showing the
concentrations of uranium in rocks and soil at surface can be used to
estimate potential indoor radon accumulation.
More information about radon...
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