Interpreting Radon Test Results: How to Minimize Your Risk and Choose the Right Tools

Interpreting Radon Test Results: Radon testing provides crucial information about indoor air quality, but it can be confusing for homeowners across Canada. Accurate interpretation of test scores contributes to whether a home remains safe or must be mitigated. 

What is Radon, and why is Interpreting Radon Test Results  important

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate indoors through cracks, drains, sump pumps, utility entry points, and other foundation openings. Because radon concentrations can differ even between neighbouring homes, testing is the only way to determine whether mitigation to reduce health risks is necessary. Thus, Interpreting Radon Test Results is significant.

Understanding and Interpreting Radon Test Results 

Interpreting radon test results begins with short-term tests, which provide a quick snapshot of exposure. Compared with short-term tests, long-term tests offer a more representative average across multiple seasons.

Understanding the Interpreting Radon Test Results: What the Numbers Mean

There are low, moderate, and high categories for radon results. Seasonal changes — typically higher in winter, lower in summer — are the norm, which is why long-term Interpreting Radon Test Results provides the most accurate picture of ongoing exposure.

Knowing the Action Level of an Interpreting Radon Test Results in Alberta

Alberta follows Health Canada’s guideline of 200 Bq/m³. Homeowners, landlords, and building managers should take action to mitigate radon if concentrations meet or exceed this level. If your tests are above the action level, Interpreting Radon Test Results, if needed, to confirm the reading and start planning  radon remediation efforts.

What to Do if Your Radon Levels Are High

Imagine if your radon testing results show higher concentrations. When that’s the case, there is reason not to panic — but to take explicit, informed action instead.

How to Minimize and Interpreting Radon Test Results in Your Home

Radon levels can be reduced by improving ventilation, sealing foundation entry points, or using sub-slab depressurization (SSD), the most common mitigation method in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is meant by short-term and long-term testing?

Short-term radon tests range from 2 days to several weeks and provide a snapshot of radon. In contrast, long-term tests measure radon concentration for 90 days or more and account for seasonal variation and actual exposure. 

Q2: How frequently should I test my home for radon?

Retesting every 2 to 5 years is recommended, or sooner if major remodeling, foundation work, or other changes occur that may affect radon levels.