What You Need to Know to Reduce Radon Levels in Your Edmonton Home

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colourless, odourless, and tasteless, making it undetectable without specialized testing equipment. It forms from the natural decay of uranium in soil and rock and can seep into homes through cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, and other openings.​

Due to Edmonton's geology and climate, the risk of elevated indoor radon levels is significant. Health Canada reports that approximately 18% of Canadian homes have radon levels at or above the recommended guideline of 200 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m³), with specific areas in Alberta, including Edmonton, showing even higher percentages.​

Long-term exposure to high radon levels increases the risk of lung cancer, particularly in smokers, but also poses a significant risk to non-smokers. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, and the leading cause among non-smokers.

Given these risks, Edmonton homeowners must conduct professional radon testing. Testing is the only way to determine radon levels and assess the need for mitigation measures to ensure a safe indoor environment.

Introduction to Radon and Its Dangers in Edmonton

Radon is created naturally when uranium in soil and rock breaks down and can seep into homes through cracks, sump pits, and gaps around pipes or foundations. In Edmonton, the properties of glacial till soil and home airtightness work together to establish ideal conditions for the penetration and retention of Radon gas. And because it is invisible and odorless, many homeowners cannot know it's in their homes until they've tested their indoor air. Long-term exposure to elevated levels of Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking , and it is a serious health concern. For Edmontonians, the first step in self-protection is being aware of local risks and the value of proactive testing and mitigation.

Recognizing the Necessity of Radon Mitigation

Radon remediation is required when indoor Radon levels exceed Health Canada's recommended 200 becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m³). Radon occurs nationwide, but the amount depends on local geology and building methods. Edmonton houses must be mitigated because it's so cold here, and people are inside often during the winter, so we don't have good ventilation. The negative pressure inside a warm house can draw the Radon out of the soil and raise indoor concentrations. Lowering these levels is not only a precaution — it's a crucial health action for safeguarding your family from long-term exposure to radioactive content associated with lung cancer.

Best Radon Solutions for Your Edmonton Home

One of the most efficient ways to reduce Radon levels is to install sub-slab depressurization systems. This process reduces Radon entry into the home by drawing air from beneath the home's foundation and exhausting that air to the outdoors. It is a common approach because it has been directly demonstrated to lower Radon levels significantly. Other options include sealing foundation cracks, adding HRV heat recovery systems to provide better fresh air exchange, or encapsulating crawl spaces to restrict Radon entry. These products are designed specifically for the distinctive design features of homes, and it is recommended that one choose one based on the Radon level and type of foundation. The right approach to reducing Radon: For Edmonton homeowners and property owners in the greater metro area, choosing the proper Radon mitigation method is the answer to effective and lasting Radon reduction.

DIY vs. Hiring a Radon Mitigation Professional in Edmonton

While homeowners can undertake basic steps to reduce radon levels, such as sealing visible cracks in floors and walls or increasing ventilation, these measures are often insufficient for significant radon reduction. Effective mitigation typically requires the expertise of certified professionals who can assess the specific radon risks in their homes and implement appropriate solutions.​

Professional mitigation is especially crucial in Edmonton, where geological and climatic conditions can contribute to higher indoor radon concentrations. Certified radon mitigation specialists have the training and equipment to accurately evaluate your home's radon levels and effectively install systems like sub-slab depressurization. This method involves creating a vacuum beneath the foundation to prevent radon gas from entering the living spaces and is recognized as the most effective and reliable radon reduction technique. 

Attempting to install such systems without proper expertise can lead to inadequate mitigation or exacerbate the problem by improperly altering the home's pressure dynamics. Moreover, professional mitigation aligns with Health Canada's recommendations, ensuring that the radon levels are reduced to as low as practicable, providing long-term peace of mind for homeowners.​

To ensure the safety and health of your household, it's advisable to engage certified radon mitigation professionals who can provide tailored solutions based on a thorough assessment of your home's specific conditions.

Professional Radon Remediation Contractor in Edmonton

Selecting the right radon mitigation contractor is crucial for ensuring the safety and health of your home environment. In Canada, Health Canada recommends hiring professionals certified by the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) for radon measurement and mitigation services.

C-NRPP certification signifies that the contractor has undergone rigorous training and adheres to national guidelines and standards for radon testing and mitigation. Certified professionals are equipped with calibrated equipment and possess the expertise to assess radon levels and implement effective mitigation strategies accurately.

By selecting a certified and experienced radon mitigation professional, you will align with Health Canada's recommendations. You can be confident in the effectiveness of the mitigation measures implemented in your home. Local homeowners, word-of-mouth referrals, and online reviews can further guide you in making an informed decision. 

Choose Your Radon Mitigation Contractor Right, and Rest Assured

Health Canada recommends that all Canadians test their homes for Radon and take corrective measures if the levels exceed 200 Bq/m³. However, Alberta does not have a provincially funded mitigation subsidy. Still, several public engagement programs, including those by the Alberta Lung Association and Take Action on Radon, seek to increase homeowners' awareness of the hazards of Radon and the significance of mitigation. Sometimes, city organizations will even help or work with local health organizations. 

Radon System Maintenance Matters

Without regular monitoring, the cure becomes the poison. According to Health Canada, it's a good idea to retest your home every few years or after a substantial renovation that may have changed the airflow or the integrity of the home's foundation. In Edmonton, where seasonal variations can affect Radon levels, it's critical to test when homes are sealed, particularly during winter. Maintenance usually requires just looking at the system's fan, making sure outdoor vents are free of snow and debris, and replacing individual worn parts. Routine maintenance maintains low Radon levels and helps preserve the investment you've made in your home's health and safety.

Success Stories: Radon Mitigation in Edmonton

Many Edmonton homeowners who put mitigation systems in place now report significantly lowering their indoor Radon levels, often to a point where levels that were once unacceptably high have been brought into what Health Canada considers a safe range. These success stories are a testament to what sound Radon mitigation can achieve, as provided by professionals trained in the best practices. In neighborhoods throughout the city, residents said they felt a great sense of relief, especially families with young children or elderly family members living in the city. These local anecdotes are a powerful lesson that, while Radon may be invisible, the Radon solutions are tangible, and they do work.

Conclusion

Radon reduction is more than a technical improvement—it is a crucial health protection for Edmonton families. Through testing for Radon and by utilizing Radon-reduction techniques, homeowners all over Wisconsin can reduce their exposure to a well-known carcinogen. The bill for mitigation might appear daunting at first, but the long-run health benefits make it a worthwhile investment. For Edmontonians, acting now will translate into safer homes in the years ahead. Through education, professional assistance, and a focus on prevention, Radon mitigation isn't just doable—it's necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes Radon a potential problem for homeowners in Edmonton?

Edmonton's residents are especially exposed because of the geological composition of the region and the way homes are constructed, trapping heat during long winters. These well-insulated buildings can sometimes accumulate Radon gas indoors at dangerous concentrations for people who live with it for many months or years. While skillful at protecting our homes, these properties keep Radon gas below the radar: it is an invisible, odorless threat that most people don't even know they've been exposed to until serious harm has been done to their health. That is precisely why testing and timely Radon mitigation are necessary.

Which is the best Radon mitigation method for homes in Edmonton?

The sub-slab depressurization is the best Radon reduction system for Edmonton homes. This process involves a pipe and fan system that sucks Radon gas from beneath the foundation of the house and disperses it safely outside.

How do I determine if my home has a Radon problem?

The only way to determine if your home would benefit from Radon mitigation is to test for Radon. Health Canada suggests long-term testing (for 90 days or more) with a Radon detection kit, and, ideally, this test should be conducted during the colder months, as the home is tightly sealed. If your Radon level is over 200 Bq/m³, you should have a professional mitigate the Radon to keep you from getting lung cancer. Many homes in Edmonton are 'over the limit,' so testing is a prudent precaution for everyone.

Can I mitigate for Radon, or must I hire a professional?

While homeowners can use some rudimentary Radon-reducing methods, like sealing foundation cracks, professionals must install complete Radon mitigation systems (especially sub-slab depressurization). Hiring a C-NRPP-certified Radon mitigation specialist guarantees the work is completed safely and correctly.

How much does it cost to mitigate Radon in Edmonton?

The average cost of professional Radon reduction in Edmonton is $2,500 to $4,000, depending on the home's size and design, the level of the mitigation system, and any structural alterations that may be needed. Although that might sound like a lot of upfront costs, you're investing in your health and peace of mind, and we believe the costs are well worth it. Some companies and local public health agencies may provide financial assistance or a grant to help subsidize Radon mitigation costs.

Is it a once-and-done when it comes to Radon remediation, or does it need to be maintained?

Typically, you  strap it on with your open garden until you lose time waiting for the product to be sealed with cement. Close to this type, your cellars inside the foundation cannot be shared, even though the standards the subsequent property's future material property owner. Edmonton homeowners should monitor the fan system, ensure the vent is free of snow or debris , and retest Radon levels every few years. Health Canada also advises retesting after large-scale home renovations. Regularly maintaining your system will provide continued Radon reduction and peace of mind for you and your family.