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Residential Radon Testing

 

I work with homeowners in Edmonton and the surrounding areas, to accurately test for radon gas in residential buildings.  Health Canada has developed specific radon testing guidelines and protocols for residential buildings that need to be followed to conduct and accurate and reliable radon test.

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My residential radon testing service covers:

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  • Homeowners

  • Pre-purchase Inspection when buying a house (short-term test)

  • Home builders

  • Day homes

  • Multi-family housing

  • Custom projects

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I am a Certified Radon Measurement Professional, certified by the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP). This means that my testing protocols are consistent with Health Canada’s guidelines.  I use C-NRPP-approved equipment that is calibrated and quality assure my processes to ensure quality radon testing service.

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The Radon Testing Process

 

I will typically come to your location to conduct the radon test.  I assess the location and will determine the best place to set up the radon test equipment.  Depending on whether it is a short term or long term test, the duration for testing is:

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  • 2-7 days for a short-term test

  • 91+ days for a long-term test.

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At the end of a short term test period, I will come back to retrieve the device, read results and provide the radon test report within 24 hours of retrieving the instrument.  Short term testing will give you a good idea of the potential for radon in your home.  If short term results are over 200 Bq/m3 I will recommend a long term test be conducted.  Long term test results do take longer.

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Health Canada recommends a long-term test lasting at least 91 days. A long term test provides the most reliable measurement of annual radon exposure.

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Here is why Health Canada recommends long-term test:

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Radon levels may vary even within a day, week or even season; short-term radon tests measure a snapshot of radon levels that may not be representative of the average annual levels of exposure. Measurements taken over a long-term period measure the best average level of exposure.

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Short-term tests are applicable in certain situations and are available for:

  • A Real Estate Purchase: I offer short-term radon tests (2-7 days) during the purchase of a home

  • Diagnostic: for instance, after mitigation

  • A short-term test may also be appropriate for those who simply want a quick screen of their radon levels.

 

However, according to Health Canada’s protocol, it is not recommended to make mitigation decisions based on a short-term test.  It is recommended that a long-term test be conducted as a follow-up to short-term tests in order to measure a more valid estimate of annual radon exposure level.

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To support clients who may want to have a quick idea of radon levels, I can do an initial short-term test followed by a long term test.

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How we interpret your radon results

 

The concentration of indoor radon is measured in Becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m3).

The Government of Canada’s guideline recommends that radon levels in buildings should be below 200 Bq/m3.

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  • Below 200 Bq/m3    No action required

  • 200-600 Bq/m3       Fix your home within 2 years

  • Above 600 Bq/m3   Fix your home within 1 year

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What if my home has high radon levels?

 

Radon levels in most homes can be reduced for about the same cost as other common home repairs such as replacing a furnace or air conditioner. I will offer information on what to do next to get your radon levels reduced.

 

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