Radon is an invisible, but significant, health risk that many Canadian homeowners tend to overlook. This odorless, colorless, tasteless gas is radioactive and can accumulate in homes. Prolonged exposure to the gas can damage the lungs and increase the risk of lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada, which makes it a very significant concern. Thankfully, it is simple to detect and manage.
Understanding how to access essential resources for Canadian homeowners. Knowing how to set up a radon test kit, where to seek assistance and information on mitigation techniques can help you create a healthier living environment.
Educational Resources to Understand Radon
Before diving into testing or mitigation processes, you should start by getting a clear understanding of just what radon is, and how it can affect your household. The best way to do that is by doing some research and educating yourself.
A great place to start is Health Canada. This is the government’s primary authority on radon and provides a variety of guides to help you understand and navigate radon as a Canadian resident. Their Radon Reduction Guide for Canadians offers comprehensive information on radon risks, testing procedures, mitigation options, and recommended safe radon levels. This guide is a valuable resource for homeowners looking to understand radon and take steps toward mitigation.
Another excellent resource is the Canadian Cancer Society, which provides accessible information to anyone looking into radon’s health impacts. It particularly highlights radon’s link to lung cancer and includes facts on how radon exposure contributes to cancer risk, as well as supporting studies, and advice on protection measures. It’s a helpful overview for homeowners concerned about health implications.
Take Action on Radon is another resource that is intended to help educate Canadians about radon. This is a natural initiative supported by Health Canada and includes practical guides on testing and mitigation, tailored towards homeowners, renters, property managers, and anyone who wants to learn more about protecting their dwellings against radon risks. For those who prefer step-by-step instructions, this is a great resource to keep close by.
Testing Options: DIY and Professional Radon Services
Testing is the only way to detect the gas properly, so it should always be the first step in managing radon risk. Radon is most commonly tested in short-term and long-term intervals, which requires different kinds of tests. You can opt to handle testing yourself with DIY test kits, or by reaching out to a professional. Some provinces may offer initiatives that provide you with free or reduced test kits. You can check with your local health agency or public health office to find out more.
If your home test reveals high levels of radon, your next step should be looking into mitigation. There are many techniques available, and many professional routes you can take to help install mitigation systems in your home. You should always look for C-NRPP-registered professionals and systems, as this guarantees they have been properly trained on National requirements and can provide high-quality services to address radon concerns. The education resources listed above can help you navigate radon mitigation, and help you understand some of the processes used to reduce radon levels in your home.
At Ottawa Radon Pros, our team offers comprehensive radon testing and mitigation services that can be customized based on your home’s foundation, structure, radon levels, and needs. Our team is C-NRPP certified and works with several membership programs to help ensure you are receiving the highest quality of care available.
Popular Radon Mitigation Services
Our services include various mitigation options, but the most popular removal systems at Ottawa Radon Pros and among most professionals are active sub-slab depressurization and active soil depressurization.
Both of these techniques aim to redirect radon gas away from the home and safely vent it outside, to reduce levels and prevent it from re-entering the home. The main difference between the procedures is actually dependent on you and your home, as sub-slab depressurization is used on homes with a concrete sub-slab, such as in their basement or ground level. Soil depressurization is used when the area being treated has a soil or dirt floor, often in crawl spaces and similar locations.
Radon levels are generally higher in these spaces, as well as basements, garages, and other areas that are low to the ground or have open/exposed dirt. Our team will assess these areas, as well as other rooms and potential radon infiltration zones in your home to provide the best level of care and treatment. The goal of radon removal and mitigation is to reduce levels and improve indoor air quality so you can breathe safely and securely within your home.
Upgrades, Repairs, and Follow-Up Testing
If you already have a radon mitigation system, it is still recommended to regularly test your home to ensure it continues to work as it should. Additionally, new entry points may develop over time, especially in older homes, as wear and tear can cause cracks in other areas of the home, and seasonal changes can affect interior air.
Testing your home regularly can help you know sooner than later if your mitigation system is in need of repair, or if the one you have installed has been damaged or needs to be upgraded. Follow-up testing should also be done after a mitigation service or upgrade to ensure the results are as expected, and radon levels are within the safe zone.
Health Canada has a dedicated radon information line that you can call for guidance and assistance with radon-related concerns, including testing mitigation options, and available resources in your province. Radon is an often overlooked health risk, but Canadian homeowners have plenty of resources available to help them safely navigate it. By taking advantage of these resources, you can ensure your home remains a safe, healthy, radon-free environment for years to come.