Perhaps you’ve been exploring our site, a friend mentioned you should look into it or you’ve been meaning to get it done for ages and just haven’t yet found the time, Whatever your reason, it’s time to test your home for radon.
If you haven’t yet picked up a home radon test you can do so on our webstore.
How to Test Your Home for Radon in Canada
Let’s establish some basics – let’s enter Kristin’s Choose Your Own Radon Test Adventure. Buckle up, friends.
How Long to Test for Radon
So we know what kind of test we’re working with…but where to place it?
- Place the detector in the lowest lived-in level of the home. I know that direction sounds clumsy, but the intent is to test the highest potential level for radon entry. Closer to the ground usually means a higher potential for radon. If you don’t go into your basement except to store boxes, move to the next floor up. Health Canada defines “lived-in” as an average of 4 hours per day or more. If you have plans on developing your basement, use it for a gym (rapid breathing), a children’s play area or have plans in the future, you may also want to consider testing here.
- Regular breathing space. Think about where you typically spend your time and take up space. Place or hang your detector (either is perfectly fine) at least a few feet up from the ground and away from the ceiling. A bookshelf, nightstand, shelf, or chair are all great locations.
- Do not place it in a bathroom, in a kitchen, in the mechanical room, in a hallway, near windows or doors or in close proximity to a sump pit.
To test for radon in Canada, place a detector on the lowest lived-in level, at breathing height, away from drafts and moisture, and measure for 90+ days; mitigate if your average is at or over 200 Bq/m³.
Health Canada recommends testing for a minimum of 90 days up to a year in duration. It was previously thought that testing should only be completed over winter heating months as this was believed to be when higher radon concentrations typically presented, but research from Evict Radon – check out our link or info in Publications – has determined that this is not always the case. Aim to test over a variety of seasonal and weather conditions to determine your average exposure.
Understanding your Radon Results
You’ve received your test results or have been logging all along with a digital monitor. What number should you be watching out for? Current Health Canada guidance recommends mitigation action for homes determined as over 200 Bq/m3 . Some chose to mitigate even lower, following guidance from the World Health Organization with a lower guidance limit of 100 Bq/m3 or the Environmental Protection Agency at 148 Bq/m3. Your home, your risk tolerance we’ll help you decide.
Next steps
Need a kit, to speak with a professional, or advice on your results? Order a test, book a consult, or see our mitigation options: all in one place.
For more information on testing check out, Digital Radon Monitors & Home Testing Tips, Radon Levels In Canada: Navigating Winter Radon Testing, Health Canada Releases New Provincial Action Guides, and, How Do I Choose Between Alpha Track and Digital Monitors?
Quick FAQ
Where Should I Place My Test?
In the lowest lived-in level, chest height, at least ~1 m from exterior walls, away from drafts and moisture.
Can I Move the Radon Detector Mid-test?
Try not to. If you must, note the date/time and keep conditions similar. Do not move alpha track tests unless absolutely necessary.
What If I Don’t Have A Basement?
Use the main floor closest to the ground which you occupy most.