Are you looking into moving to Ottawa? Perhaps you have lived there for some time, or are lifelong residents! Regardless of how long you’ve been in the Great North, it is always important to be aware of your environmental surroundings. In Canada, it is particularly important to be aware of things like radon gas, which can affect up to 18% of all Canadian households, according to a recent study, and many may never know it.
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that naturally occurs when uranium, thorium, or radium minerals in the ground begin the decaying process. While radon gas is harmless in open air, it can accumulate indoors and reach dangerous levels, especially in buildings with basements, low air circulation, and cracks or gaps in the walls and foundation. According to Health Canada, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after tobacco smoking. For homeowners in Ottawa, understanding radon levels and mitigation methods is essential for protecting your home and health value.
Knowing what radon is, how to discover it in your home, and what steps you should take for effective radon mitigation can help you remain aware and vigilant to protect yourself, your family, and your home.
Understanding Radon and Its Risks
Radon is formed through natural mineral deposits in the rocks and soil. Because it comes from the ground, when released, radon can seep into buildings through the bottom, from foundation cracks, construction joints, and other openings. Once inside, it can accumulate, and expose the occupants to radioactive particles that can enter the lungs when inhaled and cause severe tissue damage.
Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and Health Canada have identified radon exposure as a major cause of lung cancer, with prolonged exposure to high levels increasing cancer risks significantly. Radon affects non-smokers as well as smokers, with those who use tobacco being at a greater risk of lung cancer when exposed to radon gas. If indoor levels of radon gas reach higher than 200 Bq/m³, mitigation action should be taken immediately, as this is determined to be above “safe” exposure levels.
In Ottawa, radon levels can vary greatly, and can sometimes be difficult to predict due to the soil and rock composition throughout the area. It is common for this and the surrounding areas to have higher radon levels than other parts of the world, which often finds its way into Ottawa homes and buildings. New and old homes alike are both susceptible, as newer homes may have more insulation, which can trap radon gas indoors, while older homes may have more cracks or gaps, which can allow the radon to enter initially.
The Importance of Radon Testing
Radon is invisible, with no odor, taste, or color, which means it is virtually undetectable to the naked eye. The only way to determine radon levels in your home is through testing. There are two types of tests available, short-term and long-term testing. Short-term testing devices record air quality for 2 - 7 days before going back to a designated lab for an accurate result. This is best if you need to know an estimated radon level quickly, such as before moving into a new home or staying in a rental space. However, Health Canada highly recommends long-term testing, which can last from 3 - 12 months. It is best to test during winter months, when your home is sealed to get the best radon reading.
Radon testing is critical because exposure can happen over time with no indication. Following testing protocol, such as placing testing devices in the lowest inhabited room and testing during winter months can help ensure the best possible reading. Testing can be done by purchasing a DIY test kit from your local hardware store, online, or through a local retailer, or by hiring a local, certified radon professional. You should also perform testing if you have made significant changes to your home’s insulation or foundation, as well as before renovations in certain areas, such as garages and basements.
Looking Into Radon Mitigation Services
If your home has radon levels above 200 Bq/m³ it is critical to look into professional radon mitigation methods. Ottawa Radon Pros offers comprehensive radon management and mitigation services that can be customized based on your home, your needs, and the radon levels. Depending on the foundation of your home, sub-slab depressurization or soil depressurization methods can be used to reduce high levels of radon.
A detailed quote can help you understand what type of budget and mitigation services you may need for your home's radon levels. If they are high, it is important to prioritize the proper services to ensure safe indoor air quality for your family. If you have lower levels of radon in your home, you may look into some DIY options. Sealing services are also a popular option to help reduce or prevent radon gas from entering your home through cracks, gaps, leaks, and holes in your walls, foundation, and around pipes. Services like this can also be done by a professional team.
Follow-up testing and maintenance after mitigation services are also critical steps in radon removal. Once your radon mitigation system is installed, it will require little maintenance, but you should have it regularly inspected and test your home’s radon levels periodically to ensure the system is working as expected year after year. Health Canada also recommends follow-up radon tests every 2-3 years, even with a mitigation system, as changes in soil composition, house structure, and air quality can change over time. Ensuring radon levels stay below the recommended thresholds helps keep you and your family safe from dangerous radon exposure.
Ottawa Radon Mitigation Professionals
Radon management and mitigation can be a large task, so many homeowners may find it easier to turn to professionals who can help answer questions, ensure proper systems are installed, and help with any follow-up and management.
If you are located in Ottawa, or any of the neighboring communities such as Stittsville, Kanata, Kemptville, Barrhaven, Manotick, Rockland, Kinburn, or any areas with a high radon level, you can turn to the experts at Ottawa Radon Pros to get hands-on care and attention. Call us today to get started with a free consultation!