Question 1

Where do I put the Radon test device?

Accepted Answer

Your testing device should be put in the lowest lived-in level of your home such as a
basement or an area where people are spending at least 4 hours a day, if your
basement is undeveloped and you have no plans to develop it in the near future you
can put the testing device on your main floor. Do not place your testing device
anywhere that there would be extra ventilation such as kitchens, bathrooms laundry
rooms or near open windows etc. Storage areas or areas of your home where no one
spends any time are also ineffective to test. The preferred device location is near an interior wall at a height of 0.8 m to 2 m (3 to 6.5 feet) from the floor in the typical breathing zone, at least 50 cm (20 inches) from the ceiling and 20 cm (8 inches) from other objects so as to allow normal airflow around the detector. Depending on the detector used, this may be accomplished by suspending the detector from the ceiling. Detectors should be placed approximately 40 cm (16 inches) from an interior wall or approximately 50 cm (20 inches) from an exterior wall.

Question 2

I've lived in the same house my whole life I don't need Radon testing, do I?"

Accepted Answer

Radon exposure isn’t an instant thing, the duration mixed with the amount of exposure
is where the danger lies. The longer you are exposed to high Radon levels the higher
the risk of contracting DNA damage induced lung cancer. So even if you’ve lived in a
home for many years you won’t have any warning signs or symptoms that will indicate
needing to test your home. It's always best to act BEFORE a negative diagnosis to avoid
the regret of being able to prevent cancer.

Question 3

My Radon levels are just under 200 Bq/m3 that's safe right?

Accepted Answer

There are no “safe” levels for Radon, as far as Radon exposure goes, the lower the
better. For every increase of 100 Bq/m3 your risk of getting lung cancer goes up by
about 16%, so it depends on your risk tolerance.

Question 4

My home is new so I'll have lower Radon levels than an old "leaky" home, right?"

Accepted Answer

Incorrect! In an effort to make our homes as energy efficient as possible research has
actually found the newer homes tend to have higher Radon levels than older ones. This
mixed with lower quality building materials available, larger footprints of home
foundations makes for the higher Radon levels that have been observed in newer
homes.

Question 5

How do you test for Radon?

Accepted Answer

Radon testing can be conducted in a few different ways depending on how quickly you require the results. The most reliable and recommended way to test your home for Radon is conducting a long-term Radon test, this can be done using an alpha track test kit. These are inexpensive small passive devices that should be left in the lowest lived in level of your home for a minimum of 90 days and up to one year. Once they are sent to the lab for analysis, they provide you with the most accurate long-term average of Radon levels within your home. Some clients prefer getting more immediate results without having to send a test away to a lab which would lead them towards using a digital monitor. Digital monitors can give you immediate results (within 24 hours) as well as build a long-term average. For transactional purposes a 96-hour Radon test can also be conducted using a commercial grade monitor, this is most popular in the real estate industry. The results of this test would then gauge the likelihood of higher than acceptable Radon levels which would allow including Radon mitigation costs into the negotiation pending long term testing within the heating season.

Question 6

What is the difference between passive or active testing devices?

Accepted Answer

Passive devices don’t use power and generally trap Radon or its alpha particles (what Radon gas emits when it breaks down) which are then analyzed at a lab. Passive devices come in a large variety but the most popular method in Canada is the alpha track testers. These come in a kit (should include return shipping and lab analysis) which you put in the lowest lived in level in your home for a minimum of 90 days. These kits are then sent away for analysis and your results are sent to you (usually) within a few weeks. Digital radon monitors have sensors that detect radon by looking for alpha particles in the air. Many people choose to digitally monitor their Radon gas levels due to their ease of use and convenience. No lab fees, no sending away for analysis, no waiting for results. These monitors are also able to be reset and shared with friends and family to ensure everyone’s homes are safe.

Question 7

I tested my home in the summer is that ok?

Accepted Answer

Testing outside the heating season can sometimes produce lower readings because homes are generally more ventilated in summer. However, newer research shows that if you use air conditioning and typically keep your windows closed to maintain indoor temperature, summer testing can still provide reliable results.

Question 8

Can I do my own Radon testing?

Accepted Answer

Of course! Please make sure the device you choose is CNRPP approved and that the  source of your test kit includes  lab analysis.  You’ll also want to ensure that the test hasn’t expired and has been stored properly. There have been many digital monitors sold on Amazon that have been recalled so please check Health Canada listings for more details as they get updated.

Question 9

How often should I test?

Accepted Answer

Health Canada recommends testing your home for Radon every 2 years, even post-mitigation to ensure the efficacy of your Radon reduction system. If you’ve conducted any large-scale renovations that have disturbed the foundation or built any additions to your home you should conduct new testing as well. This is when the digital monitors are handy as they can be reset and used again.

Question 10

How do I return my radon test kit to the lab?

Accepted Answer

Once your test kit has been exposed for the minimum required 90-day testing period (with at least part of this time occurring during the ideal testing season of October–April to capture measurements during colder winter months), your detector is ready to be returned to the lab for analysis.Before mailing your detector back, please ensure you register your test device through Radonova My Pages. Registration allows Radonova to link your detector to your account and provide access to your test results once the analysis is complete. Instructions for registering your device are included on the commission sheet provided with your test kit.Your test kit is processed through Radonova Labs and includes a pre-addressed, pre-paid return envelope for convenient shipping within Canada.Return your radon detector for analysis to:Radonova, Ltd.Return for Analysis2555 Meadowpine Blvd., Unit 2Mississauga, ON L5N 6C3The new Canadian Return Hub eliminates the need to ship detectors across the border to the USA, making the return process faster and easier for Canadian customers.Please note that the included pre-paid return envelopes do not include tracking, as they are sent using standard postage for an oversize letter. If you would like confirmation of delivery, you may choose to send your detector using your own tracked shipping method.If you have questions about the status of your test kit once it has been returned to the lab, please contact Radonova customer service by clicking the button below.

Frequently asked questions