Why researchers say lowering Canada’s radon limit could prevent more cases of lung cancer and save lives – CBC

Health Canada has no plans to change threshold, which remains double that of the World Health Organization

Mar 04, 2026

When Maureen Hayes first tested her Ottawa home for radon a little over a year ago, the initial reading was far below Canada’s current threshold to take action.

Her device showed 114 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m³), well under the 200 Bq/m³ guideline for hiring a radon professional, according to Health Canada’s guidance.

But Hayes soon realized the country’s recommended limit for this invisible, cancer-causing radioactive gas is actually double that of the World Health Organization (WHO). And as she kept testing, she saw her home’s levels hit 180 Bq/m³ and beyond — still under Canada’s threshold yet firmly above the WHO’s guideline.

Hayes was concerned — and confused. “The government issues these guidelines,” she said, “but they’re different internationally.”

Why researchers say lowering Canada’s radon limit could prevent more cases of lung cancer and save lives – CBC

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