What Is Radon and Why Is It Dangerous?
Radon gas is an invisible threat that could be impacting your home and family without you knowing. As a radioactive gas that forms naturally from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock, radon can seep through cracks and pores in your basement, accumulating indoors to unsafe levels. If you’re living in Calgary, where soil composition may amplify radon exposure, it’s crucial to understand this silent hazard and how it puts your health at risk.
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Understanding radon as a radioactive gas
Radon is an odourless, tasteless, and colourless radioactive gas that is formed naturally in the Earth’s crust. It typically enters homes through gaps in foundations or floors, especially in basements and crawlspaces. Because it’s undetectable without specialized equipment, thousands of Canadian homes may have elevated levels of radon without homeowners knowing.
Radon gas becomes trapped indoors, where it can build up over time. Health Canada identifies it as a Class A carcinogen, and its long-term presence poses serious indoor air quality concerns—especially in enclosed living spaces.
Why radon is harmful to human health
When inhaled, radon decay products emit alpha particles that damage lung tissue at the cellular level. This damage can accumulate over years of exposure, especially in poorly ventilated environments. Because the effects are slow to manifest, many homeowners don’t realize there’s a problem until symptoms emerge—often too late.
“Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada after smoking.” — Health Canada
Radon and lung cancer: What research shows
Multiple studies, including extensive research sponsored by Health Canada and the World Health Organization, have linked radon exposure to a significantly increased risk of lung cancer. Non-smokers exposed to high radon levels are at a greater relative risk compared to smokers, due to the compounding effects of radiation and tobacco exposure. Interestingly, lung cancer from radon doesn’t always present with early symptoms, which underscores the need for proactive testing even in homes with no known air quality issues.
Don’t risk the invisible—knowing is protecting. Understand radon today, and take steps for a safer tomorrow.
Understanding Radon in Calgary
Alberta radon risk map shows Calgary as an area of elevated radon concern.
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Did you know that Calgary is among the highest radon concentration zones in Canada? Local geology, combined with specific housing characteristics, makes many homes in Calgary and surrounding areas particularly vulnerable. Whether you manage residential properties or own a single-family home, understanding the regional radon risks is critical to taking informed action.
Calgary’s geology and radon-prone zones
Calgary lies atop geological formations rich in uranium, which break down over time to produce radon gas. This gas then permeates the soil and migrates into homes through structural openings. Areas with clay-rich soil, common in several Calgary neighbourhoods, trap radon underground—allowing it to build up and enter nearby buildings more easily.
Additionally, Calgary’s high water table and dense housing layouts may exacerbate radon accumulation, especially in older homes or those with finished basements lacking modern vapor barriers or exhaust systems.
Reported radon levels in Calgary homes
Recent studies and public health surveys reveal startling statistics: nearly 1 in 6 homes tested in Calgary report radon concentrations above the national safety threshold. In some cases, levels exceed 600–800 Bq/m³, far surpassing the Health Canada guideline of 200 Bq/m³.
“Calgary homes are among the highest in radon concentration across Canada according to nationwide surveys.”
Authority guidance from Health Canada and Alberta Health Services
Health Canada strongly recommends testing every home in Alberta—regardless of age, type, or construction. According to Alberta Health Services, winter testing is preferred due to sealed-home environments that exaggerate radon accumulation.
If levels exceed 200 Bq/m³, immediate steps should be taken—such as consulting with a certified radon mitigation specialist. Delaying action could result in long-term respiratory health issues, especially for children and the elderly.
Knowledge is your best first defense—know Calgary’s radon risks and be prepared to protect your space.
Radon Mitigation Options for Calgary Homes
If your Calgary home tests high for radon gas, don’t panic—several highly effective mitigation solutions exist. Understanding these options is essential for homeowners and property managers who want to reduce indoor radon levels and meet Health Canada’s recommended guideline of 200 Bq/m³.
Sub-slab depressurization systems (SSD)
Sub-slab depressurization (SSD) is the gold standard for radon mitigation in residential properties. It works by creating a vacuum beneath the home’s concrete slab, redirecting radon gas through a pipe and ventilation system safely outside. This technique is especially effective in Calgary, where many homes feature basements with exposed sub-soil.
Sub-slab depressurization is the most effective and commonly used method in Calgary homes.
Performed by certified radon professionals, SSD systems are designed to run continuously and discreetly, ensuring round-the-clock protection.
Sealing entry points and improving air flow
While sealing cracks and sump pits alone isn’t a standalone solution, it complements SSD systems by reducing the amount of radon entering a structure. Additionally, improving indoor air circulation using HRVs (heat recovery ventilators) or mechanical air exchangers can further dilute radon concentration.
For Calgary homes undergoing renovations, incorporating radon reduction features during construction or remodeling phases can deliver long-term safety and energy savings.
Energy-efficient homes and increased radon risks
Ironically, homes built to be airtight and energy-efficient can trap more radon indoors. Calgary’s newer developments often feature construction standards that minimize outside air infiltration, inadvertently raising radon accumulation risks. This makes mitigation an important consideration even in homes built within the last decade.
Mitigating radon in high-efficiency homes requires a delicate balance of energy performance and air exchange—a process best managed by certified experts.
Concerned about radon levels in your property? Calgary Radon Detection offers tailored mitigation systems suited to local home designs and geological conditions.
Professional radon mitigation systems protect Calgary homes and families from radon exposure.
DIY vs Professional Radon Mitigation: What to Consider
Trying to decide whether to tackle radon mitigation on your own or hire a certified expert? Homeowners across Calgary often weigh cost vs. reliability—but safety should always lead the conversation. Here’s what you need to know before selecting a direction.
Cost differences between DIY and professional services
DIY radon mitigation kits can range from $300 to $700, but that’s only a portion of the true cost. Homeowners must also account for additional tools, labor time, and the risk of needing to redo improper installations.
In contrast, professional mitigation by certified technicians in Calgary typically ranges from $2,500 to $3,500, depending on home size and system complexity. This price includes diagnostics, installation, performance verification, and post-mitigation follow-up.
Reliability concerns when not using certified professionals
Health Canada recommends that mitigation work be conducted by professionals certified through the C-NRPP (Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program). DIY systems often lack performance guarantees and may fail to reduce radon levels below the national safety guideline.
Improper DIY installations may fail to reduce radon below Health Canada’s recommended limits.
Without proper diagnostics and pressure field extension testing, DIY work may inadvertently leave radon hot spots unresolved.
Benefits of hiring a certified mitigation expert
Hiring someone who understands Calgary’s soil conditions, home construction styles, and radon variability ensures precision. Certified mitigators use advanced tools, follow C-NRPP standards, and provide post-installation testing to verify effectiveness.
Only C-NRPP certified mitigators are authorized to install safe, code-compliant systems in Alberta.
The peace of mind that comes with a verified solution—and reduced lung cancer risk—far outweighs the savings of a DIY approach.
Trust a professional who’s trained, certified, and familiar with Calgary’s radon landscape—start with Calgary Radon Detection.
A Calgary Radon Detection expert installs a radon mitigation system with proper tools and safety gear to ensure home air quality.
Post-Mitigation Monitoring and Seasonal Testing Tips
Even after installing a mitigation system, ongoing radon testing is vital for Calgary homeowners. Radon levels are not static—they fluctuate with seasonal changes, home modifications, and mitigation system wear over time. Continuous awareness helps maintain long-term protection.
Why radon levels should be retested annually
Post-mitigation testing confirms that the system continues to function and that radon remains beneath Health Canada’s safety guideline. Annual retesting—especially during peak risk seasons—validates home safety and is often recommended by C-NRPP professionals.
Even after successful mitigation, radon levels should be verified regularly to ensure continued safety.
Seasonal variation: winter vs summer levels
In Calgary, radon levels tend to rise significantly in the winter due to increased indoor air pressure and closed windows. During warmer months, improved ventilation often keeps levels lower—but this can lead to missed detection if testing isn’t seasonally timed.
Radon levels often spike in colder months, making winter the optimal time to test or retest.
To get a true year-round average, it’s crucial to test during the heating season or monitor levels continuously throughout the year.
Monitoring tools and services available in Calgary
Digital radon monitors and long-term test kits are readily available through Calgary Radon Detection. These devices display real-time Bq/m³ levels and log data for easy sharing with mitigation teams if intervention is needed.
For property managers maintaining multiple units, Calgary Radon Detection offers ongoing service plans with seasonal checks, ensuring accountability and compliance.
Maintaining safe indoor air requires a commitment to monitoring—Calgary Radon Detection simplifies it with tools and support tailored to local needs.
Seasonal changes can significantly impact radon levels in Calgary homes—winter months often see the highest concentrations.
Why Choose Calgary Radon Detection?
When it comes to radon safety, experience, certification, and local insight matter. Calgary Radon Detection is the city’s trusted partner in reducing exposure risks for families, tenants, and property owners. Here’s why clients choose us.
Our certifications: C-NRPP and beyond
We are proud to be certified by the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP), ensuring our methods and systems adhere to national safety and building code standards. Our technicians undergo continual training and adhere strictly to Health Canada’s radon mitigation protocols.
We’re certified by the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP).
Case studies from Calgary homeowners
From Riverbend to Royal Oak, we’ve helped homeowners across Calgary reduce their radon concentrations by up to 95%. Many report improved peace of mind and better indoor air quality after installation. Testimonials highlight our transparency, punctuality, and attention to detail.
Client satisfaction and proven results are why we’re one of the most recommended radon safety companies in southern Alberta.
Local team, custom solutions, fast response
We operate exclusively within Calgary and the surrounding areas. Our team understands local building codes and geological factors that impact radon entry. Each mitigation strategy is tailored to your home layout and lifestyle, and we offer rapid response times for both testing and installation services.
Founded in 2024, we proudly serve Calgary from Cranridge Terrace SE.
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!
A certified technician from Calgary Radon Detection conducts professional radon safety services in a Calgary home.
