Radon Levels in Edmonton: Understanding the Risks of Radon Gas

Most Edmonton homeowners do not think about Radon regularly, but they should. Radon is easily ignored as a colourless, odourless gas that occurs naturally. However, it is so dangerous because of its clear relationship to lung cancer, particularly in regions like Edmonton and all over Alberta, where geological formations lend themselves to higher levels of Radon presence. As Canadians become more aware and concerned about indoor air quality, learning about and managing Radon levels is essential to having a healthy home.

What Is Radon, and Why Is It a Health Concern

Radon results from the natural decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. When uranium decays, it releases Radon gas that can enter buildings through cracks and other openings. Once indoors, it can build up to harmful levels — particularly in unventilated or well-sealed houses. According to Health Canada, Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, next to smoking and the leading cause among non-smokers. This invisible menace can insidiously pose a significant health threat over time, particularly if it’s not detected — and for Canadians living in high-risk regions, that can mean a long, worrying wait.

What Is Radon Gas and How Does It Get Into Homes?

Buildings draw up Radon gas through the ground below. Like elsewhere in Alberta, homes in Edmonton are especially at risk because of the province’s naturally uranium-rich soil. Radon comes in through cracks in foundations, gaps around service pipes, floor drains, sump pump pits, and even healthy water in some rural areas. Because the gas is pulled into homes by differentials between indoor and outdoor air pressure, basements and lower-level rooms are the most affected. This pressure discrepancy is exacerbated in the colder Alberta winter when houses are locked up tight to save on heating.

How to Interpret Radon Levels in Edmonton

Alberta’s distinct geology is key to high Radon levels in Edmonton. Uranium decomposition in the province’s glacial and sediment-heavy soil yields elevated Radon levels. Alberta consistently has some of Canada’s highest Radon levels, according to Health Canada’s cross-Canada surveys, and numerous homes in the province test well above the national guideline of 200 Bq/m³, according to multiple measurements taken by Edmonton-area homeowners. 

How Do Radon Levels in Edmonton Stack Up Against Other Cities?

Regarding Calgary and the rural parts of Alberta, Edmonton is at the top of the list of Radon hotspots in the province. Due to similar soil conditions, Calgary homes are also registering high concentrations. Still, many of Edmonton’s homes are older, and this, coupled with less ventilation in many basements, creates a greater chance of dangerous Radon buildup. Rural areas, while less populated, are not immune. Indeed, many rural homes built on top of an exposed rock layer or  thin soil layers over bedrock likely have higher readings. However, due to Edmonton’s urban density and housing trends specific to a climate region, it is an area of focus in mitigation and awareness efforts.

Radon Gas Health Effects

In Alberta, more than just financial reasons for the health effects of Radon gas are potentially worrying. There is also, over a long enough period, a clear association between high Radon, the gas coming out of the ground, and elevated lung cancer risks. Most cases of lung cancer in Alberta attributed to Radon occur in non-smokers.

Radon Testing in Edmonton Homes

The only way to determine if your Edmonton house has dangerous Radon levels is to conduct some tests. Health Canada advises all Canadians—particularly those living in high-risk areas like Edmonton—to perform a long-term Radon test during the fall or winter when homes are closed up and Radon levels are more stable. Several community organizations also provide subsidized or free test kits for radon awareness campaigns.

Options for Radon Mitigation for Edmonton Homeowners

Mitigation is necessary if your home registers above Health Canada’s guideline of 200 Bq/m³. The good news is that Radon mitigation systems work exceptionally well. The most common approach is to install a sub-slab depressurization system, which uses a pipe inserted through the foundation slab to direct Radon gas safely to the outside with the help of a fan. The system can lower indoor Radon levels by over 90 percent. On average, the total price for a professional installation is between $2,500 and $3,500 in Edmonton, although this is entirely dependent on the size and layout of the home. Homeowners may also qualify for financial assistance from federal and provincial grant programs, including those offered through the Lungs Matter initiative.

What Is Being Done About Radon Gas in Alberta?

There has been a significant increase in awareness of Radon-related health risks in Alberta over the past decade. Alberta’s building code has since mandated Radon rough-ins for all new homes, setting up the building for potential mitigation if the level is high. Nationally, advocacy groups such as Take Action on Radon helped raise awareness of the issue, encouraging Edmonton residents and others in communities across Canada to test their homes and promote Radon awareness.

Homeowner Prevention Tips in Edmonton

Although professional mitigation makes for the most efficient option, homeowners in Edmonton can practice prevention activities to reduce Radon entry into their homes. Sealing any visible cracks in foundation walls and floors, covering sump pumps with airtight covers, and properly caulking around pipes can all help minimize Radon infiltration.

Conclusion

Radon gas poses a real threat, but it’s also a manageable one. This knowledge will help them take the appropriate steps to read the elevated Radon levels in Edmonton, understand the geological and structural factors that can contribute to them, and understand the adverse health effects Radon gas can have while living in Alberta. It is easy and cheap to test, and mitigation, when necessary, works exceptionally well. With support from local agencies, updated building codes, and public health initiatives, Edmonton is in a better place to combat this invisible threat than ever. Step forward — take action now to make sure your home is Radon-protected.