When completing proper Radon testing in Edmonton, it is essential to know what you are testing for. Radon gas is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless carcinogenic gas that can build to hazardous levels in Edmonton homes, contributing to lung cancer. Radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and is responsible for over 3,200 deaths per year in Canada. Radon testing in Edmonton is essential because the Western Canadian Prairie provinces have one of the most Radon-exposed populations globally. When inhaled, Radon gas breaks down and causes DNA damage in the lungs; prolonged high-level exposure can lead to mutations that turn into cancer. 

Radon can enter your home through gaps, cracks, and voids in basement slabs. Sump pits, as well as voids beneath furnaces installed before basement slabs were poured, can also be significant Radon entry points. Radon gas tends to build to higher levels in winter when doors and windows are kept shut to trap heat, inadvertently trapping Radon gas as well. Fresh air drastically dilutes Radon levels, but we typically have less fresh air indoors in winter. Radon gas is prevalent in all homes, both new and old. Newer homes, despite having Radon prevention measures built into the building code, still have high Radon levels due to modern construction efficiency. Recent studies show over 18% of Canadian homes exceed Health Canada’s maximum allowable threshold of 200 Bq/m³. 

It’s time to complete your Radon testing in Edmonton! Testing for Radon gas is the only way to determine your home’s indoor Radon levels. Since the gas is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, a specialized device is required to measure Radon. Radon testing can be completed using a long-term test kit or a digital monitor, each focusing on different timelines. Long-term test kits provide accurate Radon results but require 90 days and lab analysis, which can take time. A digital monitor is a quicker alternative, providing preliminary results within 24 hours and allowing homeowners to monitor fluctuating Radon levels continuously. Accurate Radon testing in your Edmonton home requires a long-term average of indoor Radon levels, as levels fluctuate due to temperature, pressure, weather, and other factors. A long-term average ensures proper Radon testing in Edmonton. 

If your home’s Radon levels do not require action, Health Canada advises retesting every two years, as ground disturbances within 5 kilometers can impact indoor levels. If mitigation is needed, you should test shortly after installation to confirm your Radon reduction system's effectiveness and every five years thereafter. To purchase Radon testing devices or learn more about testing, visit GreatWestradon.com. 

Once your Radon testing is complete, it’s important to know how to interpret the results. Homes with results under 100 Bq/m³ are considered low risk and do not require mitigation.

Levels between 100 and 200 Bq/m³ present an intermediate risk, where mitigation may be advisable, especially for those with preexisting medical conditions, cancer history, or young children in the home. Radon levels above 200 Bq/m³ fall into the high-risk category, and mitigation is recommended to reduce lung cancer risk. For effective Radon mitigation, contact Great West Radon’s C-NRPP-approved and certified professionals. For further questions or advice, please contact C-NRPP-certified professionals at Great West Radon.