Radon testing is essential for homeowners who want to maintain a safe and healthy indoor environment. At Synergy Radon, we want to help you make an informed decision about having radon testing done in your home. That is why our experts have put together a list of some of the most commonly asked questions and answers about radon testing.
1. What is Radon and Why is it Dangerous?
Radon is a radioactive gas that is found naturally in dirt, rocks, and water. It is made when uranium breaks down over time. Since it is both colourless and odourless, radon can enter homes undetected through small cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, or even through the soil beneath the structure. Once inside, it can accumulate, especially in areas like basements or other poorly ventilated spaces.
The health risks associated with radon are serious, as prolonged exposure is a leading cause of lung cancer, especially among non-smokers. In fact, radon exposure accounts for thousands of lung cancer cases each year, making it a significant public health concern. Testing for radon is the only way to know if your home’s levels are safe. By performing regular checkups, homeowners can ensure their indoor environment remains safe, minimizing long-term health risks.
2. How Does Radon Get into Homes?
Radon enters homes through a variety of small openings and pathways, often going undetected. Common entry points include cracks in the foundation, spaces around pipes, construction joints, and any other areas where the home’s structure is in direct contact with the ground. As a gas that seeps up from the soil, radon can easily infiltrate basements or ground-level rooms.
Factors such as the type of foundation, soil composition, and local geology all play a role in the level of radon that can accumulate. Homes with more porous soil or structures with multiple foundation gaps are particularly at risk, as these conditions allow radon to enter more readily. Understanding these entry points is essential for knowing how radon might be affecting your home.
3. How Do You Test for Radon?
Testing for radon is the only reliable way to know the levels in your home, and there are three main testing methods: short-term tests, long-term monitors, and professional testing services. Short-term tests typically measure radon levels over a few days to a week, offering a quick snapshot of your indoor air quality. Long-term monitors track levels over several months, accounting for seasonal changes and providing a more accurate view of average radon exposure.
Professional services use advanced equipment and ensure accurate placement and interpretation, providing peace of mind with more reliable results. This expert approach is especially valuable for homeowners wanting to make well-informed decisions about radon mitigation if needed.
4. When is the Best Time to Test for Radon?
The best time to test for radon is during the winter season, when homes are typically sealed to retain heat. With windows and doors closed, indoor air circulation is reduced, allowing radon to accumulate more readily, providing a more accurate reading of potential exposure. This seasonal timing makes winter ideal for capturing radon levels that could pose a risk in day-to-day living conditions.
Beyond winter testing, other significant times to test include during real estate transactions, as both buyers and sellers benefit from knowing the radon status of a property. Testing is also advisable after home renovations or structural changes, such as adding rooms, altering the foundation, or updating plumbing. These changes can disrupt the natural pathways radon takes to enter the home, potentially increasing or decreasing radon levels.
5. How Often Should You Test for Radon?
Regular radon testing is recommended every 2-5 years to monitor any changes that may affect radon levels over time. Even if initial results showed low radon levels, gradual changes in soil, foundation settling, or new cracks can alter radon entry points. Re-testing helps catch any increases early, providing peace of mind and ongoing safety.
Certain situations also call for more immediate re-testing. For instance, if a radon mitigation system has been installed, it is essential to re-test shortly after the installation to ensure the system is effectively lowering radon levels. Homes that experience structural shifts, such as settling foundations or the appearance of new cracks, should also undergo re-testing. These routine checks, along with re-tests after specific events, help homeowners maintain a safe, radon-free environment.
6. What Should I Do if My Home Has High Radon Levels?
If radon testing reveals high levels in your home, the first step is to consult a radon mitigation professional. These experts can assess your home and recommend effective solutions to reduce radon levels. Common mitigation methods include installing ventilation systems that help vent radon outside and sealing cracks or openings in the foundation where radon might be entering. By addressing both ventilation and sealing, mitigation professionals can significantly reduce indoor radon levels, creating a safer environment for your family.
After radon mitigation has been completed, re-testing is crucial to confirm that radon levels have dropped to a safe range. Regular follow-ups ensure the mitigation system remains effective over time, giving you peace of mind that your indoor air quality is protected from radon exposure.
7. Are There Any Government Guidelines or Safety Standards for Radon?
Yes, Health Canada has established radon safety guidelines, recommending action if radon levels exceed 200 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m³). This guideline provides a clear benchmark for safe indoor air quality, encouraging homeowners to take action if their radon levels surpass this threshold. While general guidelines apply across Canada, certain regions, including the Okanagan Valley, may have elevated radon potential, making regular testing even more relevant for residents in these areas.
Professional radon testing companies like Synergy Radon follow government guidelines to ensure accurate results and effective mitigation strategies. By adhering to Health Canada’s standards, Synergy Radon provides homeowners with reliable testing and mitigation solutions that meet national safety benchmarks, helping to maintain healthy, radon-safe homes.
8. How Can Radon Testing and Mitigation Protect Your Home?
Radon testing is a critical step in safeguarding your home’s air quality and protecting your family’s health. Staying informed about radon risks and understanding when and how to test can make all the difference in preventing long-term exposure to this harmful gas. Regular testing and, when necessary, professional radon mitigation can be used to maintain a safe indoor environment.
At Synergy Radon, we specialize in making radon safety straightforward and effective for homeowners across the Okanagan Valley. With expert testing and reliable mitigation services, we work hard to provide peace of mind by ensuring your home is safe from elevated radon levels. For answers to any other questions about radon testing or to schedule a radon test, contact us today.
