Question 1

Where should I place my Radon test device?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

I’ve lived in my Edmonton home for years with no issues — do I really need to test?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

My Radon levels are just under 200 Bq/m³ — is that safe?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

My home is new, so I’ll probably have lower Radon levels than an older, drafty home, right?"

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

How do I test my home for Radon?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What’s the difference between passive and active testing devices?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Is it okay to test my home for Radon in the summer?

Accepted Answer

Testing outside the heating season can sometimes result in lower radon readings because homes are typically more ventilated during the summer months. However, newer research indicates that if air conditioning is used and windows are generally kept closed to maintain a consistent indoor temperature, summer testing can still provide reliable results.

Question 8

Is it possible to test my own home for Radon?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

How frequently should I test for Radon?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

How do I return my radon test kit to the lab?

Accepted Answer

Once your test kit has been exposed for the minimum required 90-day testing period (with at least part of this time occurring during the ideal testing season of October–April to capture measurements during colder winter months), your detector is ready to be returned to the lab for analysis.Before mailing your detector back, please ensure you register your test device through Radonova My Pages. Registration allows Radonova to link your detector to your account and provide access to your test results once the analysis is complete. Instructions for registering your device are included on the commission sheet provided with your test kit.Your test kit is processed through Radonova Labs and includes a pre-addressed, pre-paid return envelope for convenient shipping within Canada.Return your radon detector for analysis to:Radonova, Ltd.Return for Analysis2555 Meadowpine Blvd., Unit 2Mississauga, ON L5N 6C3The new Canadian Return Hub eliminates the need to ship detectors across the border to the USA, making the return process faster and easier for Canadian customers.Please note that the included pre-paid return envelopes do not include tracking, as they are sent using standard postage for an oversize letter. If you would like confirmation of delivery, you may choose to send your detector using your own tracked shipping method.If you have questions about the status of your test kit once it has been returned to the lab, please contact Radonova customer service by clicking the button below.

Frequently asked questions