I have purchased & lived in 7 different real estate properties across Canada in Gatineau, Ottawa & Vancouver over the past many years. And, I have never thought of asking some vital questions before closing the various purchase agreements. I never knew how living in any of the above condo apartments & houses could have caused and given me lung cancer.
Most people, including myself, especially when buying a dwelling — only ask & answer these 4 simple questions:
- Does this house or apartment suit my needs — for myself? for my family?
- Is it located in the right neighborhood — quiet? safe? close to shopping, entertainment, public transportation? near-by schools, parks, community centers?
- Can I afford it — security of income from work? down payment? mortgage financing?
- Are there any tell-tale red-flags like watermarks on the ceiling & walls? on the basement floor?
And before closing the deal, I would call in someone to do an inspection — typically superficial — usually to just check the general soundness of the building; working condition of the plumbing; good condition of the roof.
Here is where two additional questions should be added & posed — to minimize the risk of contracting lung cancer. One – is there radon gas prevalent? Two – what is behind those walls — asbestos insulation?
It is widely known that smoking is the number cause of lung cancer. But I did not know — until recently — that the next two leading contributors to lung cancer are: radon gas radiation and inhaling asbestos fibres.
Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas produced by the decomposition of uranium in soil & rock. It is colourless, odorless & invisible — making it hard to detect without proper testing — preferably by professionals but there are monitoring machines available now for consumer use. The gas seeps through foundation cracks, pipes and drains — especially hazardous in enclosed spaces such homes, buildings and factories. Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Asbestos exposure can result through inhaling or ingesting minute, airborne fibres found in older construction materials such as insulation, drywall & ceiling tiles. Health symptoms appear only after a long period of time. When apparent, it could have severe, often fatal consequences such as lung cancer & mesothelioma.
A word to the wise. After answering the key basic questions — but before you buy — it is best, with professional help, to also check for the presence of radon gas and asbestos insulation. It would be a good thing for real estate associations & realtors and governments to step-up and prompt or otherwise compel such a check-up to protect the real estate buyer. A much-needed caveat emptor for the uninitiated.
Typically (for a significant part of the population), people are indoors for two-thirds of the day or about 16 hours — at home, in an enclosed workplace (office building, factory, home office). If so, it won’t hurt to check and verify.
EW in Vancouver, Canada / March 2026