RADON is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas formed from uranium decay in soil and rock.

It originates naturally from uranium and radium in the ground.

It seeps through cracks and openings in foundations and floors.

No, only specialized instruments can detect it.

Bq/m³ (becquerels per cubic meter) or pCi/L in the U.S.

Act at ≥ 200 Bq/m³. Lower is better.

It’s highest in lower levels but can spread throughout the house.

Yes, long-term exposure increases lung cancer risk.

Based on epidemiological studies of miners and homes.

Yes, smoking combined with RADON greatly increases risk.

Possibly, due to faster breathing and longer lifetime exposure.

Yes, pets can also inhale RADON and be affected.

Testing is the only way to know your home’s RADON level.

During winter when windows are closed.

Every 5 years or after major renovations.

Short-term (3–90 days) and long-term (90+ days) tests.

Yes, but certified labs ensure better accuracy.

In the lowest lived-in level, away from drafts or windows.

Compare to guideline levels (200 Bq/m³).

Basements and slab-on-grade homes allow easier entry.

It helps reduce entry but rarely solves the issue alone.

Yes, proper air exchange helps lower concentration.

Airtight homes may trap more RADON.

A ventilation system that draws RADON from under the slab and vents it outside.

Properly installed systems can reduce over 90%.

Typically between $2,500–$3,500 CAD in Canada.

Minimal; check fan operation and manometer readings.

Usually completed in one day.

A design that includes piping and venting ready for future mitigation.

In some regions, new homes require RADON rough-in by code (e.g., Ontario 2025).

Very little, compared to retrofitting later.

A short-term (4–7 days) test during a real-estate transaction.

Yes, it protects both buyers and sellers.

Negotiated between buyer and seller.

Some provinces/states require it; Ontario not yet.

Yes, through national programs like C-NRPP (Canada) or NRPP (U.S.).

Regulations vary by province or country.

Accredited labs follow strict QA standards.

New homes must include RADON rough-in provisions in some areas.

Yes, government maps show high-risk regions.

Levels rise in winter and drop in summer.

Yes, granite and shale-rich soils release more RADON.

Temporarily lowers levels, but not a permanent fix.

No, most filters cannot trap gases.

No, new airtight homes can have higher levels.

Not accurately - every house differs.

Yes, especially units near the ground level.

No, mitigation keeps levels low long-term.

Retest in a different season to confirm consistency.

Contact a certified mitigator for inspection and system design.

Yes, they fluctuate due to temperature and pressure differences.

Yes, structural changes can alter soil air movement.

Yes, storms or strong winds can create pressure differences.

Health Canada recommends testing after 24 hours once the mitigation system is running.

Every 2 years or after any major home modification.

It creates negative pressure under the slab to draw RADON out.

No, it must run continuously to maintain suction.

Typically quieter than a bathroom exhaust fan.

In an unoccupied area (garage, attic, or outside wall).

Usually 7–10 years depending on model and conditions.

Check the U-tube manometer or monitoring device reading.

RADON levels can rise quickly; repair or replace immediately.

Only slightly, usually less than a light bulb’s cost.

Depends on the house. A sump pit may be used if properly sealed and vented.

Multi-suction systems serve large or divided foundations.

It can influence pressure; design adjustments may be needed.

No, it must be a dedicated sealed system.

Yes, in new construction or aesthetic retrofits.

No - Canadian systems vent directly outside, away from openings, not above the roof.

Short-term tests (4–7 days) fit typical timelines.

Yes, it’s a common part of negotiation.

Yes - landlords must ensure safe indoor air under tenant protection rules.

Yes, especially in provinces promoting indoor air safety.

Not yet, but BC and some U.S. states require it.

Yes, but mitigation often restores full value.

Rarely; most insurers focus on mitigation proof.

The Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP).

In some municipalities, building inspectors may verify.

Yes, occupational limits are lower than residential ones.

Recommended by Health Canada, often required by policy.

Some provinces offer grants or tax incentives.

Yes, ISO and CSA standards apply to equipment and procedures.

Yes, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and northern Ontario have higher averages.

Yes, wet soil reduces air movement; dry soil increases gas flow.

Slightly; lower air pressure may increase diffusion.

Yes, upper floors have much lower levels.

False; airtight construction can trap more RADON.

Mostly False - rare in Canada, but some stone materials have shown RADON emissions.

False; it provides only temporary relief.

False; gas particles pass through filters.

False; any building type can be affected.

3.8 days; it constantly replenishes from soil radium.

Radioactive particles that attach to dust and are inhaled.

Negative indoor pressure draws soil gas inside.

Yes, they show daily and seasonal variations.

Modern devices are reliable within ±10%.

Because many homes have high levels unknowingly.

Share official health resources and encourage testing.

From Health Canada, WHO, and EPA databases.

Yes, many municipalities host awareness sessions.

A safety principle promoting minimal radiation exposure.

Workplace testing follows occupational health standards.

RADON contributes the largest portion of natural exposure.

Yes, moisture helps attach radioactive decay particles.

Yes, higher air exchange lowers concentration.

Yes, by enhancing air circulation and reducing humidity.

It decays in days but is constantly replenished.

No, it’s a gas that dissipates quickly.

Only if it’s from private well sources.

Through professional testing, mitigation, and continuous monitoring.