Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can be detected in rock formations and dirt beneath the surface of the Earth. Radon can also be found in water. Radon is a radioactive gas that does not give off any taste and is colourless and odourless. Radon is a highly toxic material that can give rise to major health issues if it is allowed to build up to high quantities inside of buildings. Due to the fact that Canada is one of the top producers of radon in the world, radon testing is an essential component of the overall safety of homes and other buildings in the country, particularly Western Canadian Prairie Provinces. In this article, we will investigate the numerous approaches of radon testing that are available in Canada, as well as the principles that govern how test results should be interpreted.
Continuous radon monitoring and short-term radon testing are the two primary approaches that are commonly utilized in the course of radon testing across the country of Canada. Continuous radon monitoring requires the utilization of specialized equipment that is placed within the structure and kept operational for a lengthy period of time, which can normally range anywhere from several days to many months. These devices give a continuous record of the radon concentration in the indoor air while continuously measuring the radon levels in the air for a long term average. After collecting the data, the continuous radon monitor then performs an analysis on it to determine the typical levels of radon that were present in the structure throughout the duration of the test.
Short-term radon testing, on the other hand, involves the use of passive radon detectors that are placed in the building for a shorter period, typically ranging from two to seven days. The radon levels that are produced after the radon has been absorbed by these passive detectors is then analyzed by the laboratory or professional. These detectors are designed to absorb radon from the indoor air. The findings of the short-term radon test offer a snapshot of the radon levels in the building at a particular moment in time when the test was conducted.
After the results of the radon test have been acquired, they are compared to the radon guideline that has been developed by Health Canada for the entire country of Canada. According to the Canadian radon guideline, the average radon levels in interior spaces should not exceed 200 Becquerels per Cubic Meter (Bq/m3). This number is measured in becquerels. According to the standards for radon exposure established by the World Health Organization (WHO), a long-term exposure to radon levels that are higher than 100 Bq/m3 can significantly raise the risk of lung cancer. Action between these levels is a preference based on whether you have children or pets, pre-existing conditions that make you more susceptible to lung issues, or are a cancer patient/survivor.
If the results of the radon test reveal that the average radon levels in the building are higher than the radon guideline for Canada, the homeowner or the building manager should take steps to minimize the radon levels. Radon can cause lung cancer and other health problems. Many radon mitigation strategies, such as boosting ventilation, sealing cracks and gaps in the foundation, and installing a radon mitigation system, can help achieve this goal. Radon mitigation strategies can also be used in combination with one another.
While analyzing the results of radon tests, in addition to the Canadian radon guideline, there are a number of other considerations that need to be taken into consideration. For instance, the radon levels in a building can be affected not only by the type of building but also by its location, as well as the conditions that exist within the building itself. In addition, the accuracy of the radon test findings might be impacted by the radon testing method that was utilized, the duration of the testing period, as well as the laboratory that was utilized to analyze the test data.
It is also essential to keep in mind that the levels of radon can change considerably over the course of time and that the results of a single radon test could not accurately reflect the usual levels of radon in the structure. Because of this, it is frequently suggested that a number of radon tests be carried out over the course of some amount of time (2-3 years) in order to acquire a more accurate picture of the radon levels that are present in the structure. As a result of the fact that Canada is one of the most prolific generators of radon in the world, radon testing is an essential component of the overall safety of homes and other buildings in the country.
Great-West Radon is a “One Stop Shop” for all your Radon related needs. We provide detail-oriented, honest, and reliable radon testing in Calgary by using state-of-the-art tools and technology. From radon mitigation to radon removal, we are the top-rated Radon services company in Calgary, and we are proud of the work we do and the relationships we’ve created with our clients. We only use the best materials and equipment, ensuring all guidelines set out by the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program and Health Canada are being met. If you require radon testing, mitigation, removal, or a radon test kit in Calgary, Great Radon West has you covered.