Frequently asked questions

For the most accurate results, your Radon testing device should be placed on the lowest lived-in level of your Edmonton home, such as a basement or any area where people regularly spend at least 4 hours a day. If your basement is unfinished and you have no plans to use it, the main floor is the next best option. Avoid placing the device in spots with extra ventilation like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or near open windows, as well as in storage areas or unused spaces. The preferred placement is near an interior wall, positioned within the breathing zone—between 0.8 m and 2 m (3 to 6.5 feet) from the floor—while keeping at least 50 cm (20 inches) away from the ceiling and 20 cm (8 inches) from furniture or other objects to allow normal airflow. In some cases, the detector may need to be suspended from the ceiling depending on the type used. Aim to place it about 40 cm (16 inches) from an interior wall or 50 cm (20 inches) from an exterior wall for best results. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW3IYXq5ABE

Radon exposure has no symptoms. The danger lies in long-term exposure to elevated levels. The longer you’re exposed, the higher the risk — particularly of DNA damage leading to lung cancer. Even if you've lived in your home for decades, testing now could prevent future illness.

There’s actually no level of Radon exposure that’s completely safe. The general rule is that the lower your exposure, the better. In fact, for every 100 Bq/m³ increase, the risk of developing lung cancer rises by about 16%. So whether you’re comfortable with a level just under 200 Bq/m³ really comes down to your personal tolerance for risk.

Not necessarily! In Edmonton, research has shown that newer homes often have higher Radon levels than older ones. Modern construction emphasizes energy efficiency, which means homes are built tighter with less natural airflow. Combined with larger foundation footprints and, in some cases, lower-quality building materials, this creates the perfect conditions for Radon to build up at higher levels in many newer homes.

Radon testing can be done in several ways depending on how quickly you want results. The most reliable and recommended method is a long-term Radon test using an alpha track test kit. These small, affordable devices are placed in the lowest lived-in level of your home for at least 90 days (and up to a year). After being sent to a lab, they provide the most accurate picture of your home’s average Radon levels over time. For those wanting quicker results, digital monitors are a good option. They can show readings within 24 hours while also tracking a long-term average. In real estate transactions, a 96-hour Radon test with a commercial-grade monitor is commonly used. This type of test can help determine if Radon levels are likely to exceed Health Canada’s guidelines, allowing buyers and sellers to factor potential mitigation costs into negotiations, with the understanding that a long-term test during Edmonton’s heating season is the gold standard.

Passive devices don’t require power. They collect Radon or the alpha particles that Radon gas releases as it decays, which are later analyzed in a lab. There are several types of passive devices, but in Canada the most widely used are alpha track test kits. These kits (which should include return shipping and lab analysis) are placed on the lowest lived-in level of your Edmonton home for a minimum of 90 days. Once the test is complete, the kit is mailed back for analysis, and results are usually provided within a few weeks. Active devices, such as digital Radon monitors, use sensors to detect Radon levels by tracking alpha particles in the air. Many Edmonton homeowners prefer these monitors because they provide quick, convenient results with no need to ship a test to a lab. They can be reset, reused, and even shared with friends and family—making it easier to ensure multiple homes across the city are tested and protected.

Testing your home outside of the heating season isn’t recommended, as it often provides an unrealistically low picture of your home’s Radon levels. During the colder months, the thermal stack effect draws more radon gas indoors. With windows closed, reduced ventilation, and efforts to conserve heat, this gas can accumulate to unsafe levels. That’s why testing your home in the heating season gives the most accurate representation of your average Radon exposure.

Yes! Homeowners in Edmonton can absolutely test on their own. Just make sure the device you use is C-NRPP approved and that your test kit includes lab analysis. Also check that the kit hasn’t expired and has been stored properly. Some digital monitors sold on Amazon have been recalled, so it’s a good idea to review the latest updates on Health Canada’s recall listings.

Health Canada advises testing your home for Radon every 2 years — even after a mitigation system has been installed — to confirm that it’s still working effectively. If you’ve done major renovations that impact the foundation or added onto your home, it’s important to test again. In these situations, digital monitors are especially useful since they can easily be reset and reused.

After your test kit has been in place for at least 90 days — with part of that time falling within the recommended testing season (October to April) to capture results during colder months — it’s time to return your kit to the lab. Our kits are processed by Radonova Labs and include a pre-addressed return envelope (note: postage is not prepaid). We strongly recommend paying for tracking, as the lab receives a high volume of kits during peak seasons, and having delivery confirmation provides peace of mind. If your return envelope has been misplaced, simply place the test kit in a sealed Ziploc bag, then put it into a standard envelope addressed to: Radonova Inc. 1 East 22nd Street, Suite 200 Lombard, IL 60148 USA If you need additional assistance after mailing your kit, you can contact Radonova Labs’ customer service by clicking the button below.