Radon testing is the only way to determine if your home has dangerous levels of this invisible, odorless gas. With proper testing, you can make informed decisions about protecting your family's health and take action if needed.

When Should You Test for Radon?

Health Canada recommends that all homes be tested for radon, regardless of location or age. Specific situations where testing is especially important include:

  • Before buying or selling a home - Essential for informed real estate decisions
  • After renovations - Especially work involving the foundation or basement
  • Every 2-5 years - Radon levels can change over time
  • New construction - Even new homes can have elevated radon levels
  • If neighbors have high levels - Geology affects entire neighborhoods

Types of Radon Testing

Short-Term Testing (2-7 days)

Short-term tests provide quick results but may not accurately represent year-round radon levels. These tests use:

  • Activated charcoal canisters
  • Alpha track detectors
  • Electret ion chamber detectors
  • Continuous radon monitors

Best for: Initial screening or real estate transactions with time constraints

Long-Term Testing (90+ days)

Long-term testing provides the most accurate assessment of your home's radon levels because it accounts for seasonal variations and weather changes. These tests typically use alpha track detectors.

Best for: Determining if mitigation is needed and ongoing monitoring

Professional vs. DIY Testing

Professional Testing

Professional testing offers several advantages:

  • Proper placement and setup by trained professionals
  • Quality control and calibrated equipment
  • Expert interpretation of results
  • Recommendations for next steps
  • Required for real estate transactions in many cases

DIY Test Kits

DIY kits are available but have limitations:

  • User error can affect accuracy
  • May not be accepted for real estate purposes
  • Limited support for interpreting results
  • Less reliable quality control

Testing Conditions

For accurate results, specific conditions must be maintained during testing:

Closed-House Conditions

  • Keep all windows and doors closed (except for normal entry/exit)
  • No fans bringing outside air into the house
  • Maintain normal heating/cooling
  • Start closed conditions 12+ hours before testing

Placement Guidelines

  • Test in the lowest lived-in level of the home
  • Place detector at least 3 feet from windows and doors
  • Avoid areas near drafts, heat sources, or high humidity
  • Keep detector undisturbed during testing period

Understanding Your Results

Radon levels are measured in becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m³) in Canada:

  • Below 200 Bq/m³ - Acceptable level, no action required
  • 200-600 Bq/m³ - Mitigation should be considered within 2 years
  • Above 600 Bq/m³ - Mitigation should be completed within 1 year
  • Above 800 Bq/m³ - Immediate action recommended

What Happens After Testing?

If your test results show elevated radon levels:

  1. Don't panic - Radon-related health risks develop over years of exposure
  2. Confirm results - Consider a follow-up test to verify levels
  3. Contact a professional - Get expert advice on mitigation options
  4. Take action - Professional mitigation can reduce levels by 90%+ in most cases

Remember: Testing is the first step in radon protection. Even if levels are currently acceptable, regular testing ensures ongoing safety for your family.