As the planet warms and weather patterns grow increasingly unpredictable, most of us think of the visible impacts: intense heatwaves, wildfires, and flashfloods. Unfortunately, there are also a lot of dangers we can’t see, one of which includes radon.
So, is climate change making radon exposure worse?
What is Climate Change?
Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperatures and weather patterns. While natural processes like volcanic activity and solar cycles can influence the climate, the main driver, since the industrial revolution of the 1800s, has been human activity. The burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas has released what’s known as greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. These gases essentially form a blanket around the Earth and trap heat into its atmosphere.
This “greenhouse effect” is behind rising global temperatures and more erratic weather changes like scorching heatwaves, flash floods and prolonged droughts. But one of climate change’s most silent and insidious side effects is how it can alter the behaviour of radon gas.
What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium in soil and rock. It’s colourless, odourless, and tasteless, which makes it impossible to detect without proper testing. Yet, it’s a serious health hazard. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
When radon seeps from the ground and becomes trapped indoors, it can accumulate to dangerous levels. And with climate change reshaping our environment, the risk is growing.
How is Climate Change Increasing Radon Exposure?
Here’s how the effects of climate change are directly impacting radon levels in homes and buildings:
Warmer Soil Temperatures
As global temperatures rise, soil temperatures increase too. This enhances the release and movement of radon from the ground into the atmosphere. Studies show that warmer soils accelerate the spread of radon and allow it to migrate more easily into buildings (Baltrocchi et al., 2023).
Changing Rainfall Patterns
Climate change is disrupting precipitation patterns. Intense rain can create a barrier around the soil, temporarily slowing radon movement (Victor et al., 2019). But once the soil dries out, especially after heavy rains or during drought, radon can actually escape more readily through the now-permeable ground. What’s more, with an increased likelihood of drought, dry, cracked soils allow radon to rise and infiltrate homes more easily (Friedmann, 2017).
Push Toward Energy-Efficient Buildings
Modern buildings are increasingly airtight and well-insulated to reduce energy use. This may be great for your heating bill, but not so great for radon. Reduced ventilation means radon that enters the home has nowhere to go, allowing it to accumulate to higher concentrations.
Drastic Seasonal Temperature Changes
In colder months, homes are often sealed tightly to retain warmth, reducing natural ventilation. This can lead to increased indoor radon levels – not just because the gas gets trapped inside, but also due to the stack effect. As warm air rises and escapes from the upper parts of a building, it creates a suction effect that draws in cooler air from the ground, pulling radon gas in with it through cracks and gaps in the foundation.
Why This Matters
The World Health Organization has warned that as climate conditions change, radon exposure must be part of the public health conversation. As homes become more airtight and weather patterns more unpredictable, we need to reassess how we manage indoor air quality, especially with a carcinogenic radioactive gas that is undetectable without proper testing.
At PropertECO, we offer professional radon surveys and mitigation solutions to help homeowners, landlords and businesses safeguard their properties. Whether you’re in a known radon-affected area or just want peace of mind, now is the time to get your radon test.
Click here to find out more about our radon testing and radon mitigation solutions.
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