Understanding How Edmonton’s Climate Influences Radon Levels

If you've lived in Edmonton, you know that winters aren't just cold—they're harsh. We have designed the homes to withstand deep freezes, with insulation and tight seals that lock in heat and keep out the unforgiving prairie winds. The very features that make homes energy-efficient can also allow Radon gas to accumulate unnoticed. Understanding this invisible hazard is important for protecting the health of your loved ones.

Radon: What You Need to Know

Radon can enter homes throughout Edmonton because it occurs naturally in the soil beneath every community. It travels up into homes through openings such as cracks in basements and foundations, holes around pipes entering the home, and floor drains. This pressure difference draws soil gases, including Radon, into the home. 

Why Winter Testing Matters

Radon levels can vary significantly between July and January. When it is extremely cold outside, the furnace is actively heating the home, creating a negative-pressure environment inside. That’s why a Radon test during the coldest months of the year is critical. Testing during winter is more likely to capture periods of higher Radon exposure.

Managing your indoor air quality

When homes are built in Canada, one of the main goals of home designers is energy efficiency and an air-tight building envelope. This helps homeowners reduce heating costs. on heating bills, but it has a direct relationship to increased Radon accumulation. If the Radon level is above 200 Bq/m³. Mitigation systems are readily available in Canada and are surprisingly effective at removing this soil gas.

Key Insights

• The coldest months are peak season for Radon exposure in the home due to the stack effect.

• Airtight homes may be great for saving on energy costs, but they can be a direct conduit for higher Radon concentrations if Radon is present. 

• If Radon levels exceed 200 Bq/m³, an effective Radon mitigation system is recommended.

FAQ

Can I get a different reading at different times of the year? 

Yes, since our winters can be quite extreme, homes experience different pressure dynamics than in warmer months. This is why a test during the winter heating season is recommended to accurately identify potential for the highest exposure levels in your home, even if summer test results appear lower. 

What about homes with a concrete slab instead of a basement? 

Radon can still enter the home through small cracks in a concrete slab. This includes cracks caused by shrinkage or settlement, joints in floor construction, and joints around utility openings, such as plumbing or drains, that penetrate the concrete slab. 

What is an acceptable level of Radon in my home in Canada? 

Health Canada’s guideline for Radon action is 200 Bq/m³. No home is completely free of Radon, but as WHO research suggests, lowering Radon levels significantly reduces long-term health risks.

How long should I test my home for? 

Health Canada recommends at least a 90-day Radon test with an alpha track detector. These detectors have a solid-state recording medium. Other short-term tests lasting about four days can provide some insight, but will not accurately reflect your home’s average Radon concentration, particularly in an Edmonton winter. 

Can I test my home for Radon myself? 

You certainly can buy approved, long-term Radon tests and test your home yourself. Placement is critical, however. To obtain reliable results, you want to test at the lowest lived-in level of the house. For those who are concerned about proper placement, a professional Radon test may be a worthwhile consideration in Edmonton. 

What is the future of Radon management in the North? 

The current trend of changing climate patterns in our region could create a greater need for a more aggressive approach to addressing this gas that surrounds us. 

Conclusion

Protecting your family from Radon doesn't have to be complicated—even during Edmonton's harsh winters. Knowing when to test and what to look for will help you make informed decisions about your home. In fact, during home inspections for real estate purchases, some real estate transactions include Radon testing or mitigation as part of negotiations when elevated levels are identified. Suppose Radon levels exceed recommended thresholds and are not mitigated at the time of sale. If you discover higher Radon levels, it’s not a reason to panic; an effective solution is widely available, and the key is to test during the cold season for the most accurate reading.