What is Radon and Why Calgary Homes Are at Risk
Radon is odourless, invisible, and naturally occurring – but dangerous over time. As a radioactive gas emitted from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock, radon is present almost everywhere, but certain locations—like Calgary—face elevated risks. Understanding how radon behaves and why Calgary homes are especially vulnerable is essential to reducing long-term exposure and keeping indoor air safe.
High radon levels in your home? Calgary Radon Detection provides professional Radon Mitigation in Calgary with proven systems that reduce radon to safe levels. Our certified technicians handle everything from installation to post-mitigation testing. Get a free quote today.
Where radon comes from
Radon is a naturally occurring gas produced when uranium in the earth’s crust breaks down. It releases into the soil and can travel upward through cracks and gaps in foundations, especially where soil composition and moisture levels support gas movement. Unlike many hazardous conditions, radon gives no sign of its presence—it’s colourless, tasteless, and without any immediate symptoms of exposure.
Why it’s more common in Alberta
Alberta has some of the highest documented radon levels in Canada, and geology plays a key role. Southern Alberta’s soil is rich in uranium-bearing rocks and glacial deposits, which release higher concentrations of radon gas. Coupled with Calgary’s climate, where homes remain closed for long periods during cold seasons, radon tends to accumulate easily.
“Calgary homes are at higher risk due to local geology and modern energy-efficient construction.”
Indoor radon accumulation explained
Modern homes are designed for energy efficiency. While this is beneficial for heating and cooling costs, it also means homes are built tighter, limiting air exchange. This lack of natural ventilation traps radon gas inside, especially in lower areas like basements where pressure differentials draw gas in from the soil. The result: elevated radon concentrations where families spend time.
Understanding the source and behavior of radon is the first step in protecting your Calgary home.
Understanding Radon Health Risks and Exposure Levels
If you’re living in Calgary, elevated radon levels in your home could be silently impacting your family’s long-term health. Invisible and undetectable without specialized testing, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada. Knowing your indoor radon levels is crucial—especially since its health effects compound over time with continuous exposure.
Health Canada guidelines on safe levels
Health Canada has set the recommended maximum radon level at 200 Bq/m³ (becquerels per cubic metre). Homes testing above this level should undergo mitigation. Though any level of radon carries some risk, concentrations above this threshold significantly increase the likelihood of developing lung cancer over time, especially with prolonged exposure.
Health impact from long-term radon exposure
Long-term exposure to radon damages lung tissue gradually, increasing the risk of developing lung cancer. Unlike immediate health risks like carbon monoxide poisoning, the effects of radon are cumulative and often go unnoticed for years. Radon-related lung cancer accounts for approximately 16% of lung cancer deaths in Canada annually. “Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.” — Health Canada
Radon doesn't fix itself. If your levels are above 200 Bq/m³, professional radon removal in Calgary is the only proven solution. Calgary Radon Detection installs mitigation systems that lower radon levels by up to 99%. Request your free estimate.
Who’s most at risk in your household
Some groups are especially vulnerable to radon exposure due to physiology and time spent indoors. Children, with higher respiration rates; seniors, whose lungs may be more sensitive; and remote workers or stay-at-home caregivers who spend extended hours at home are at greater risk. Smokers face a compounded risk, exponentially increasing their likelihood of lung cancer when combined with high radon exposure.
Protecting your household begins with understanding the health stakes—early detection saves lives.
How Radon Testing Works in Calgary Homes
Worried about radon? Testing your Calgary home is easy, affordable—and surprisingly accurate. Whether you’re a homeowner or managing a rental property, knowing your radon levels is the only way to know your indoor air is safe. Several testing options exist, but professional assessments offer the most conclusive results under Calgary’s unique climate and soil conditions.
Short-term vs long-term test comparisons
Radon testing methods fall into two categories: short-term (typically 7–90 days) and long-term (up to a full year). Short-term tests, particularly during colder months when windows stay closed, can reveal elevated radon levels quickly. Long-term tests provide a more accurate average that accounts for seasonal indoor air fluctuations. Professional inspectors use calibrated devices for short-term testing to produce fast and reliable data.
What to expect during a professional radon inspection
Certified radon professionals will place continuous digital monitors in the lowest lived-in level of your home—usually the basement. These devices measure hourly variances, humidity, and temperature, ensuring accurate readings. Homeowners are advised to maintain closed-house conditions during the test to simulate typical living patterns. After the testing period, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining any need for radon mitigation.
Why Calgary homeowners get free pro tests
In an effort to improve public health, some local programs and certified companies offer homeowners free radon testing in Calgary. “Free professional testing is available for Calgary homes – test kits are helpful but less precise.” Calgary Radon Detection is among the few offering complimentary professional testing—giving residents the peace of mind of accurate readings at no initial cost.
Acting early with a professional test provides peace of mind—and may protect your family’s health for years to come.
Radon Mitigation Systems: How They Work and What to Expect
A professionally installed radon mitigation system keeps Calgary homes safe and healthy.
If you’re a homeowner or property manager in Calgary concerned about radon gas, professional radon mitigation offers a proven path to cleaner, safer indoor air. When long-term radon testing reveals elevated levels, mitigation systems are not just recommended — they’re essential. Understanding how these systems work, what options are available, and the associated costs helps you make confident, health-driven decisions for your home or rental property.
Sub-slab depressurization explained
The most widely used and effective radon mitigation method in Calgary is sub-slab depressurization (SSD). This system involves installing a series of PVC pipes beneath your basement floor, connected to a quiet, energy-efficient fan. The fan actively draws radon gas from under the home and exhausts it safely above the roofline, preventing it from entering your living spaces.
“Most Calgary homes use sub-slab depressurization – it’s highly effective and can reduce levels by over 90%.”
Calgary’s geology — with its glacial soil base and varying home foundation styles — makes SSD the go-to method for most residential applications. When installed by certified radon mitigation specialists, these systems offer a long-term, low-maintenance solution to reducing radon exposure dramatically.
Crawl space mitigation options
Homes with crawl spaces may require a different mitigation approach. Crawl space ventilation and encapsulation are common techniques used when there’s no solid basement slab. A puncture-free vapor barrier is typically sealed across the entire crawl space floor and walls, then a vent fan creates negative pressure beneath the barrier — similar to SSD but adapted for your home’s layout.
This method isolates radon entry points and actively removes any gas before it infiltrates the upper living areas. For split-level homes and older Calgary properties, hybrid systems combining SSD and crawl space ventilation ensure optimal coverage and performance.
Cost breakdown and homeowner ROI
The cost of radon mitigation in Calgary varies depending on the home’s size, foundation type, and existing HVAC systems, but most systems fall within the $2,500 to $3,500 range. A typical residential installation can be completed in less than a day by a professional team.
What do you get for that investment?
- Immediate and sustained radon reduction — over 90% in most cases
- Improved air ventilation and indoor air quality
- Increased real estate value and buyer confidence
- Peace of mind knowing your family is protected from long-term radon exposure
“Systems are low-maintenance and long-lasting if installed by professionals.”
Calgary Radon Detection uses certified equipment and adheres to Health Canada’s mitigation standards, so your system continues operating reliably for years with minimal upkeep.
Worried about radon? We’re offering no-cost testing for homes in Calgary and surrounding areas. Protect your health — book your free radon test today!
