Radon testing is not something most homeowners think about day to day, largely because radon itself gives no warning. It has no colour, no smell, and no taste, yet it is the leading cause of lung cancer in Canada after smoking, according to Health Canada. Alberta consistently shows up among the higher radon regions in national surveys, which makes radon testing especially relevant for homeowners in Camrose, Drumheller, and the surrounding county.
What Radon Actually Is and How It Gets Into a Home
Radon forms naturally from the decay of uranium in soil and rock, and it moves upward through the ground until it finds a way into a building through foundation cracks, sump pits, gaps around pipes, or other openings where the house meets the earth. Because it comes from below, radon levels can vary significantly even between two similar homes on the same street, depending on soil conditions, foundation type, and how the house was built. Radon testing is the only reliable way to know whether a specific property has an elevated level, since regional averages cannot tell you about one particular basement.
How Radon Testing Actually Works
Radon testing typically uses either a short term test, run over a few days, or a long term test, run for at least 91 days, most often during the fall and winter heating season when the home is closed up and airflow patterns are most representative of typical living conditions. Long term testing tends to give a more accurate picture of average annual exposure, which is why Health Canada recommends it as the standard for determining whether a home needs mitigation. The test device sits in the lowest lived in level of the home, away from drafts, exterior doors, and windows.
Understanding the Canadian Guideline
Health Canada’s action guideline for radon is 200 becquerels per cubic metre, and homes testing above that level are recommended for mitigation within a year, sooner if levels are significantly higher. It is worth knowing that there is no truly safe level of radon exposure, only lower and higher relative risk, so even results below the guideline still carry some degree of risk. Radon testing gives you the specific number for your own home rather than a rough guess based on where you happen to live.
What Happens if Levels Come Back High
If radon testing reveals levels above the guideline, mitigation systems are effective and can typically be installed in less than a day by a qualified contractor. Most systems use a vent pipe and fan to draw soil gas from beneath the foundation and release it outside before it can build up indoors, and well installed systems can reduce radon levels by more than eighty percent. Retesting after installation confirms the system is doing its job.
Who Should Consider Testing
Radon testing makes sense during a real estate purchase, for sellers who want to address the issue proactively before it becomes a negotiating point, and for anyone who has simply owned their home for years without ever testing. Homes with basements, which describes a large share of housing in this region, are often prioritized for testing, though radon can affect homes with any foundation type.
Health Canada’s Take Action on Radon page provides additional guidance on testing methods, the national guideline, and what to do if your results come back elevated.
If your home has never been tested, scheduling radon testing with Neuman Home Inspection is a simple way to get a clear answer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Radon Testing
How often should a home be tested for radon?
Health Canada recommends retesting every two years, or sooner after any major renovation that could affect airflow or the foundation. Homes that have never been tested should be tested regardless of age.
Is Alberta actually a higher risk area for radon?
National surveys have found Alberta homes test above the guideline more often than the national average, which is part of why radon testing is worth prioritizing here rather than assuming your home is fine by default.
How much does mitigation typically cost?
Costs vary depending on the home’s foundation and layout, but most mitigation systems are a one time installation rather than an ongoing expense. Your inspector can walk you through rough figures based on your specific property.
Can I just buy a test kit instead of hiring someone?
Do it yourself kits exist and can be a reasonable starting point, but a professional test using calibrated equipment and correct placement tends to produce more reliable results, which matters especially during a real estate transaction where documentation counts.
Neuman Home Inspection proudly serves Camrose, Drumheller, Wetaskiwin, Camrose County, Starland County, Stettler County, and the surrounding Alberta area. Ready to schedule radon testing? Call 403-821-0229 or email neumaneric88@gmail.com today.