Radon screening does not replace a short or long-term test. It is performed to provide a brief snapshot of the average radon level during a standard home inspection. Radon screening can only indicate the potential risk level (or risk magnitude) of high radon levels if a long-term test were performed.
The advantages of radon screening include speed (a minimum of one hour is required), low cost, and privacy (no testing laboratory involvement). The primary disadvantage is representative accuracy, as radon levels can fluctuate greatly day to day, month to month, and season to season over a long-time frame. Occasionally, by as much as eightfold or more.
We can perform a radon screening test during a home inspection to assess the magnitude of risk associated with high radon concentrations in a home. We utilize SunRadon LŰFT, a highly accurate radon detector. Radon screening can be added to your home inspection at the time of booking or on-site. For the cost of having Radon screening performed during your home inspection, please refer to Fees.
What is Radon?
Radon is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless radioactive gas that naturally occurs from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and can be found in your water supply. Radon is a slippery gas that can enter into homes through cracks and openings in the homes foundation. While it is natural to the environment, elevated levels of radon can pose serious health risks. According to Health Canada, radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Trust our expertise in radon testing to keep your home safe from this un-seen threat.
Radon Testing is Important
We believe every home should be tested for radon. A common question we get from the public is “does my home have radon” ? The question is not whether my home has radon, but rather , what is the level of radon in my home?. The only way to know is to test. Generally speaking, 7% of all homes that have been tested in Canada have levels of radon higher than 200 bq/m3, based on what we have seen, these numbers are probably much higher. The highest level we have tested was 1982 bq/m3, after mitigation this level dropped to a reasonable 32 bq/m3.
All new homes in Ontario are protected by Tarion for a period of 7 years. If radon test results are 200 Bq/m3 or higher the home will be covered by there builders warranty, as long as the device is listed and results are provided by a LAB. Our devices are both listed by C-NNRP and tested by a certified LAB.
Our Radon Screening Process
The process typically starts with an initial assessment of your home to identify potential entry points for radon. A device will be deployed at the time of the home inspection at the lowest level where family members typically spend 4 hrs or more per day. At the end of the inspection the screening results will indicate the urgency to conduct a long term test. It’s the long term exposure which increases the risk of lung cancer.
Long term do-it-yourself test kits are available from AccuStar Canada or RadonNova. Once the testing phase is complete, the radon unit is then mailed to the lab whom will analyze the data. The lab will provide you with a comprehensive report detailing the radon levels and any recommended actions if elevated levels are detected. We will provide phone support, our goal is to ensure your home is safe and to help you understand the necessary steps for mitigation if needed.
Get started with your 91 day test now and protect your families health.
C-NRPP - Canadian. National Radon Proficiency Program
CARST - Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists
Protecting New Home Construction
