Radon is a radioactive gas produced from the natural decay of uranium found in rocks and soil. This gas is odourless, colourless and has no taste, making it undetectable by human senses. Outdoors, the radioactive radon gas is diluted very quickly and is not a health concern. The only way to know if you have high radon levels is to do a simple test. You can buy a radon test kit for your home, daycare or office at Radon Controls Inc. or request professional radon testing. If radon levels are high, research shows that hiring a certified radon mitigation professional can result in radon reductions up to 95%. Read on to learn more about radon science and get radon testing done by one of our certified radon mitigation professionals. We are happy to provide a free quote to anyone in Alberta, or Western Canada. Get a free quote.
The radon gas can enter structures through cracks in the floor, drains, sump pumps, exposed soil, construction joints and any place where the structure contacts the soil.
The difference in negative pressure inside the home to positive pressure outside the home can draw radon into your breathing space.
The age or quality of construction of your home or workplace is not necessarily an indication of whether you will have high radon levels or not.
Health Canada recommends radon mitigation (taking steps to reduce your radon levels) within 2 years if your test results are between 200 bq/m3 and 600 bq/m3 and within 1 year if test results show radon levels over 600 bq/m3. However - the World Health Organisation recommends mitigation if test results are over 100 bq/m3.
Fixing a typical home for radon is less expensive than replacing your furnace or roof. The cost depends on each structure's unique characteristics, and most systems can be installed in 1-2 days.
For future consideration, installing a radon system could potentially make your home more attractive to prospective buyers concerned about their health. The most common radon reduction system is known as sub-slab depressurization.