Protecting Calgary Workplaces: When to Test Your Commercial Property for Radon Exposure

As awareness of indoor air quality continues to grow, radon gas has emerged as a significant health concern—particularly in Calgary, where the region’s natural geological makeup increases the risk of elevated levels. While radon is often discussed in the context of residential properties, commercial buildings are equally vulnerable. For employers and property owners, radon testing and mitigation are critical steps in ensuring workplace safety and meeting regulatory requirements.

Raising Awareness of Radon in Commercial Properties Is Key

Commercial structures frequently possess deep, extensive ventilation systems, large basements, and different occupancy patterns, making them especially vulnerable to Radon entry. Commercial tenants typically rely on landlords or building managers to conduct Radon testing. Increasing awareness of the findings is key to driving action that can lower health risks and liability.

Why Radon Testing is Important in Calgary

When you are testing for Radon in Calgary, it's more than just a precaution; it's necessary. Businesses that disregard this risk expose their workers to long-term health impacts and potentially break workplace safety rules.

What is Radon , and Why is it an Issue in Calgary?

Radon is a naturally occurring gas produced by the decay of uranium in soil and rock. It has no color, smell, or taste and is impossible to detect without proper Testing. Calgary’s unique geological conditions cause abnormally high Radon emissions, particularly in the winter when sealed-off indoor structures contain and circulate less air.

Understanding Radon Gas

Radon gas enters buildings from the ground through cracks and openings in the foundation. Once inside, it tends to accumulate in lower areas such as basements and underground offices. Over time, this buildup can pose a serious health risk if not properly addressed.

Health Effects of Chronic Exposure

Long-term exposure to Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Those who spend the most time indoors — office workers, warehouse workers, shopkeepers — are at higher risk. Health Canada reports that Radon exposure is linked to more than 3,000 lung cancer deaths each year in Canada.

Calgary's Radon Risk Zones

Some Calgary communities, particularly those near river valleys and with older infrastructure, have higher Radon readings. Knowing these high-hazard areas can help property managers prioritize Testing and mitigation.

How Radon Enters Commercial Buildings

Familiar Places for Entry in Commercial Buildings

• Cracks In Concrete Floors and Bearing Walls

• Floor drains and sump pits

• Utility penetrations for plumbing and wiring

Gaps around pipe penetrations or service entry openings

HVAC & Foundation Risks

Various HVAC and foundation design factors may also contribute to accidental Radon penetration. For example, commercial HVAC units that are not adequately sealed can increase negative pressure and Radon from the ground.

Building age and structure 

Older buildings are generally more prone to cracks and poor sealing, which increases the risk of radon entry. Inadequate or outdated ventilation systems can further contribute to elevated radon levels in these structures. However, even newly constructed buildings can be vulnerable if they are not properly sealed or tested for radon, underscoring the importance of thorough inspection regardless of a building’s age.

Commercial and Residential Radon Testing: What's the Difference?

Most commercial spaces are much larger and have more intricate air systems. Radon levels may vary throughout the building, requiring multiple testing locations, and the test results may need to be interpreted by a Radon professional.

Warehouses: 

Pay particular attention to workspaces on the ground level.

Retail: 

Experiment with underground storage and break rooms.

How Often Should You Test for Radon in Calgary?

Health Canada recommends testing every five years or sooner if there are significant changes in the building or its usage.

Initial Baseline Testing for New Commercial Buildings

Every new commercial building should be tested at the end of its first winter of occupancy to establish its baseline for Radon before it becomes compromised.

Retesting After Remodeling or an HVAC Upgrade

Any work done to a building's structure, insulation, or ventilation can affect Radon levels and require the property to be tested again. Seasonal Effects on Accuracy in Radon Testing During winter, buildings tend to be more closed. Testing now gives the most accurate risk assessment.

When to Retest Radon for Commercial Property

After installing a mitigation system in your home, post-mitigation verification and proof testing of the system are necessary. Change of Occupancy or Building Use Whenever the use of a space changes, such as storage space being converted to office space, Radon testing should be reevaluated.

Signs of New Cracks or Movement in the Structure

Noticeable physical changes can suggest new channels for Radon to enter, and so should prompt a check.

Legal and Insurance Aspects

Alberta does not require Radon testing, but provincial OHS laws require employers to adhere to general air quality and health standards.

Insurance Coverage Information Regarding Radon

Some homeowners find that if they have high Radon levels and do not mitigate the risk, the insurer will deny them coverage at renewal or hike their premiums based on the Radon levels.

How to Test Your Commercial Property for Radon

Long-term: 

Ideal for precise, actionable data that should not change very often (preferably 90+ days).

Best Times To Test In Alberta

Late fall, winter, and early spring are the best times to test because they offer less ventilation and more time for Radon to accumulate.

What to Do if You Have Higher Radon Levels

• Commercial Radon Abatement Choices

• Sub-slab depressurization

• Sealing entry points

Calgary ASL Services With Certified Radon Professionals

Certified Professionals

C-NRPP-certified, accredited professionals are trained and certified to provide accurate Testing and mitigation.

Commercial Radon Company

Look for a local service in Calgary, Alberta, with commercial experience, good ratings, and C-NRPP certification.

Conclusion

Regular Radon testing, like fire drills and equipment inspections, is essential for responsible workplace management. Establish a testing regimen, keep records, and set up maintenance or mitigation to maintain compliance and safety.

FAQs

Is annual Testing necessary? 

Yearly Testing is not required unless previous Testing indicates levels in the borderline range or a history of building modifications.

Are employers legally required to test for Radon? 

Although indoor air quality isn't explicitly addressed, employers must maintain safe indoor air quality under Alberta's OHS laws.

Will the Radon reduction process in my office be inconvenient or disrupt business? 

Most mitigation systems can be installed without disrupting daily business operations.