Radon and Lung Cancer: The Hidden Risk Canadians Must Face This Knowvember

Why Radon Is the Leading Cause of Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers and the Stories That Prove Continuous Monitoring Saves Lives.

November marks Radon Action Month in Canada—a pivotal moment for raising awareness about the country’s most overlooked environmental health risk. It also aligns with Lung Cancer Awareness Month and the national “Knowvember” initiative, which encourages Canadians to know their risks, know their options, and know the facts.

At Ecosense, we are proud to support the Knowvember campaign because the invisible link between radon gas and lung cancer remains one of the most urgent, yet underrecognized, public health challenges today. Radon is the #1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and this month, we’re sharing real stories that move beyond the statistics—turning awareness into meaningful, life-saving action.

The Real Faces of Radon’s Risk

Radon doesn't just affect people; it affects all the living things that share our homes. These four stories show why testing is essential:

1. The Homeowner Who Acted Too Late: Bill Johnson

Bill Johnson was a healthy, active non-smoker who never experienced the usual warning signs of lung cancer, like a persistent cough. By the time he was diagnosed, the disease had already spread extensively. Later, Bill discovered that long-term exposure to high radon levels in his home was the cause. He often regrets having done only a single test instead of continuously monitoring. Now, with his EcoQube providing continuous radon monitoring, Bill encourages everyone to take the proactive step he wishes he had taken: "Cancer respects no boundaries, but radon exposure can indeed be prevented."

2. The Survivor Who Keeps Checking: Kerri Robbins

Kerri Robbins was shocked to be diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer despite never having smoked. Her home's radon level was dangerously high—like smoking three packs of cigarettes a day! Even after installing a mitigation system to reduce the gas, Kerri learned that radon levels can still fluctuate over time. With her EcoBlu monitor, she now keeps a close watch, knowing that protection from radon isn’t a one-time fix but a continuous commitment to safety.

3. The Advocate Who Fought for Her Neighbors: Jackie Nixon

Jackie Nixon, a lifelong exerciser and non-smoker, was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2015. She had zero symptoms. After her recovery, she learned about radon and felt an immediate connection. She used her own money to test her apartment building. One neighbor’s unit tested at 18 pCi/L (four times the safe limit!). Jackie is now a passionate advocate and president of the nonprofit organization CR3, where she actively raises awareness about the dangers of radon. She has become a true hero, teaching others an important message: "Radon affects your lungs. You may not have any symptoms—zero symptoms. So, test your house for radon and know your numbers."

4. The Family Pet's Warning: The Old House Episode

In a recent episode of This Old House, a homeowner decided to test his house after his family dog passed away from lung cancer. This sad case serves as a heartbreaking, yet powerful, warning. Pets spend their lives close to the floor, where radon gas seeps in, making them even more vulnerable to the radioactive particles. The discovery of high radon levels in the home following the dog's death showed that if the gas can hurt the pet, it is certainly hurting the family.

Your Call to Action This Knowvember

This November, let’s turn awareness into action. The only way to win this fight is to monitor your home continuously.

Here is what you must do for Radon Action Month:

1. Test Now: Don't rely on outdated or one-time tests. Use a continuous digital radon monitor. Ecosense monitors give you a reliable result in about one hour-no need to wait weeks.

2. Monitor Constantly: Radon levels fluctuate throughout the year. Keep an eye on your readings 24/7. With features like My Radon Analysis, Ecosense monitors help you understand trends and stay in control of the air you breathe.

3. Reduce the Risk of Lung Cancer: If your levels are high, install a mitigation system and keep monitoring. Continuous monitoring is the simplest way to ensure your fix is working and that your home remains safe for the long term.

This Knowvember, take the brave step toward prevention. The actions you choose today will safeguard the health of your family—and even your pets—for years to come.