Radon is a significant concern in Ottawa, with geological studies confirming high radon potential across approximately half the city. The 2016 National Capital Region study by Radon Environmental Management identified that the City of Ottawa has relatively high radon potential covering about half of its area.
This elevated risk is due to Ottawa’s unique geological makeup, particularly areas overlying the Billings Formation, Eastview member of the Lindsay Formation, and parts of the Bobcaygeon Formation. Health Canada’s cross-country survey confirms that about 10% of homes nationally will test above the radon guideline, but local geology can significantly increase this percentage in specific regions like Ottawa.
Resources:
1) Canadian Geoscience Education Network (CGEN) – Ottawa-Gatineau Randon map
2) Ottawa Public Health – Randon in Your Home information guide
