What Is Radon and Why It’s a Growing Concern in Calgary
If you own a home in Calgary, understanding the hidden risks beneath your basement floor could protect your family’s long-term health. One of the most silent yet serious threats to indoor air quality in the region is radon gas — especially given Calgary’s unique soil composition and climate conditions. While invisible and odourless, elevated radon levels are surprisingly common in local homes, making it crucial for residents to recognize how and why radon forms and why basement testing is not optional.
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What is radon gas and how is it formed?
Radon is a radioactive gas released during the natural decay of uranium in soil, rock, and groundwater. This carbon decay process produces radon atoms that rise through the ground, entering buildings through cracks and openings in the foundation. Homes in regions with higher uranium concentrations — like southern Alberta — are particularly vulnerable. Since it’s colourless, tasteless, and odourless, detection without specific testing tools is impossible, putting homeowners at risk without even realizing it.
How does it differ from other indoor air pollutants?
Unlike mould, VOCs, or carbon monoxide, radon does not cause immediate symptoms. Its danger lies in long-term exposure, as it continuously radiates charged particles that can damage lung tissue over time. This makes radon uniquely hazardous compared to everyday pollutants. Additionally, radon exposure often varies room-to-room, making basement-focused testing critical for accurate detection — especially in airtight, energy-efficient Calgary homes.
Why Calgary geology impacts radon risk
According to Health Canada, Calgary has some of the highest average residential radon levels in the country. This is due to a geological mix of porous glacial till and shale bedrock that allows radon to easily migrate upward. Local construction practices, including heavily insulated basements and tighter building envelopes, exacerbate indoor accumulation. Combined with Calgary’s frequent freeze-thaw cycles, this makes basement radon buildup a year-round concern for homeowners across the city.
Calgary homeowners should treat radon testing as an essential component of healthy homeownership — not just an environmental formality.
Health Risks of Radon Exposure in Calgary Homes
A Calgary family learns about potential radon risks during basement testing, emphasizing the importance of home safety.
Thinking your home feels safe doesn’t mean it is — and that’s especially true when it comes to radon. If you’re a Calgary homeowner, you need to be aware that radon exposure is a serious health hazard. Long-term inhalation of this radioactive gas is directly linked to lung cancer, with no early symptoms to warn you. Fortunately, radon testing and mitigation options are accessible here in Calgary — once you’re informed of the risks.
Lung cancer risk from prolonged radon exposure
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada after smoking, responsible for over 3,000 deaths annually. What makes it particularly dangerous is how it decays: when radon gas is inhaled, its radioactive particles release energy that damages lung tissue on a cellular level. This cumulative harm increases cancer risk especially for non-smokers, children, and older adults who spend extended time indoors.
Health Canada guidelines: action level explained
In Canada, Health Canada has established an action threshold of 200 Bq/m³ (becquerels per cubic metre). If your home’s radon level surpasses this benchmark, mitigation is strongly recommended. However, there’s no known “safe” radon level — any exposure carries some risk. Calgary homeowners should be particularly proactive, as studies have found many homes in this region exceed the national guideline, some by two to five times the limit.
Don't leave your family's health to chance. A professional home radon test in Calgary takes the guesswork out of indoor air quality. Calgary Radon Detection uses Health Canada-approved methods to deliver results you can act on. Schedule your test now.
Real-life case studies from Calgary residents
One family in northwest Calgary discovered radon levels of over 350 Bq/m³ during a routine basement renovation — despite living in a well-ventilated, modern home. Another in the southeast reported results above 500 Bq/m³ after two children experienced frequent respiratory infections. In both cases, post-mitigation retesting showed levels drop to under 50 Bq/m³, restoring peace of mind and indoor safety.
Knowing your basement radon level isn’t just smart — it’s life-protecting. Get your home tested now before exposure becomes irreversible.
How Radon Enters Your Basement
Radon gas entering a Calgary home’s basement highlights the need for professional basement radon testing.
Wondering how an invisible gas gets inside your home in the first place? Calgary basements are especially prone to radon infiltration due to the region’s geology and seasonally driven pressure differences. Whether you’re in an older home with foundation gaps or a sealed new build, radon can seep indoors silently. Understanding how and where it enters is key to intercepting it.
Radon entry points: cracks, sump pumps, and gaps
Radon gas naturally pushes upward from the soil and finds its way through any path of least resistance. Common entry points in Calgary homes include:
- Cracks in poured concrete foundations or slab floors
- Unsealed spaces around plumbing pipes and electrical conduits
- Sump pump pits without airtight lids
- Construction joints and floor drains
Because radon is heavier than air, it tends to accumulate in lower levels such as basements. That’s why basement-specific testing is the gold standard in detecting elevated levels before they spread to upper floors.
How Calgary’s freeze-thaw cycle affects basement risk
Cold Calgary winters actually trap radon indoors due to what’s known as the stack effect. As warm indoor air rises and escapes from upper levels, it creates suction at the base of the home, pulling in radon-laden soil gases. The problem is magnified during freezing months when windows remain shut and mechanical ventilation decreases, trapping radon inside your home year-round.
Seasonal fluctuations in radon levels
Many Calgary homes show radon level spikes in winter and early spring due to limited ventilation and increased ground sealing from frost. Conversely, summer may offer slightly reduced levels due to open windows and less differential pressure. However, don’t be misled — Health Canada recommends long-term radon testing (minimum 90 days) during colder seasons for the most accurate reading. This ensures that fluctuations don’t mask a persistent indoor risk.
Understanding how radon gets inside is the first step to managing it — and ultimately preventing exposure in your Calgary basement.
Basement Radon Testing in Calgary: Methods, Costs, and What to Expect
Testing for radon in your basement is one of the most impactful steps Calgary homeowners can take to protect their families’ long-term health. As radon is odorless and invisible, understanding how it’s measured—and what your options are—is key. Whether you’re preparing to sell a home or simply want peace of mind, a certified testing approach offers reliability you can trust in our Alberta climate.
Short-term vs long-term testing methods
Radon testing in Calgary typically uses one of two methods:
- Short-term tests: These usually last 2–7 days and can quickly identify extremely high radon levels. However, they may be affected by daily ventilation habits or weather changes.
- Long-term tests: Used over 90+ days, these provide a more accurate yearly average, as supported by Health Canada’s recommendations for reliable results in colder climates like Calgary’s.
Certified radon testing providers often begin with a long-term approach for best accuracy unless an urgent reading is needed.
DIY kits vs certified professional testing
While DIY radon test kits are available in Calgary hardware stores, their reliability can vary due to improper placement or lab inconsistencies. Professional radon testing includes certified placement, data calibration, and lab processing that align with Health Canada standards.
We offer no-cost professional radon tests to Calgary homeowners. DIY kits may be cheaper but are often less reliable.
What to expect during a radon test (duration, prep, etc.)
When working with Calgary Radon Detection, a certified specialist will install a small detector device, often in the lowest occupied area—typically the basement. The setup is quick, taking 15–30 minutes, and homeowners are advised not to tamper or adjust HVAC settings dramatically during the test period. Long-term tests may run for 3 months, with little to no disruption to daily life.
Understanding your results numerically
Radon levels are measured in becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m³). According to Health Canada, indoor readings over 200 Bq/m³ pose an elevated health risk and warrant mitigation. Results between 100–200 Bq/m³ should also be carefully considered, especially in homes with young children or people who spend extended time in basement areas.
Testing results over 200 Bq/m³ signal the need for mitigation, according to Health Canada.
How much radon testing typically costs in Calgary
DIY test kits range from $50–$80 but do not include lab fees or calibrated devices. Certified professional radon tests in Calgary typically cost between $150–$300, depending on duration and analysis method.
However, Calgary Radon Detection offers no-cost certified radon testing for homeowners in Calgary and surrounding areas—ensuring all residents can access accurate assessments.
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!
What Happens If Your Basement Has High Radon? Solutions in Calgary
If your test results show elevated radon levels in your basement, it’s essential to take next steps swiftly but calmly. Fortunately, radon levels can be lowered effectively with the right mitigation system—especially when designed by certified professionals familiar with Calgary’s soil composition and basement structures.
How mitigation systems reduce radon effectively
The most common and effective approach is active soil depressurization, which uses specially sealed piping and fans to draw radon from beneath your foundation and safely exhaust it outside. These systems can reduce radon levels by over 90% when installed properly.
Mitigation typically reduces radon levels by over 90% when installed by certified pros.
Common types: sub-slab depressurization, radon fans
In Calgary, slab-on-grade or basement-style homes most often benefit from:
- Sub-slab depressurization: A suction point is drilled beneath the foundation slab, connected to a PVC pipe and radon mitigation fan.
- Crawl space mitigation: In homes with crawl spaces, a sealed membrane and suction system reduce gas buildup.
All system types require careful sealing, routing, and fan sizing to be effective for long-term safety.
Installing radon mitigation in Calgary basements
Certified installers in Calgary conduct detailed diagnostics using pressure mapping and airflow analysis to determine ideal fan placement. Pipes are routed discreetly through mechanical rooms or closets, venting above the roofline as required by building codes. Most installations take 1–2 days and immediately begin reducing radon concentrations.
Getting your home certified as radon-safe
Post-installation, a follow-up test confirms system performance. If levels remain below 200 Bq/m³, the home can be classified as radon-safe. Many real estate professionals in Calgary now actively promote mitigation paperwork during home sales to demonstrate air safety reliability.
Homes can be certified “radon-safe” after post-mitigation testing shows Bq/m³ levels under 200.
Take the next step in making your Calgary home healthier. We custom-tailor every mitigation system to your home layout. Get long-term protection — speak with a certified local expert today!
Calgary Regulations, Health Canada Standards, and Next Steps
Understanding radon requirements and recommendations across Canada—especially right here in Calgary—is vital for homeowners, landlords, and property managers. Regulated guidance from Health Canada helps define when to act, while local bylaws and building codes ensure homes meet evolving health and safety expectations.
What Health Canada recommends for homeowners
Health Canada recommends all homes undergo radon testing—particularly those with basements or slab-on-grade foundations. If levels exceed 200 Bq/m³, mitigation should be pursued within 12 months. Homes registering 600 Bq/m³ or more should act within a much shorter time frame.
City of Calgary policies and landlord responsibilities
The City of Calgary supports voluntary radon testing initiatives and encourages awareness building among multi-unit housing providers. Landlords are increasingly recognizing radon as an air quality hazard requiring routine testing—especially as tenants spend more time in basement suites.
Alberta landlords must provide safe air quality — some now recommend radon testing every 5 years.
Overview of Alberta building code requirements
As of 2015, Alberta Building Code requires all new residential builds to include radon rough-in systems. These enable easier installation of active mitigation systems if future testing reveals unsafe levels. Builders in Calgary must include radon vents and sealed sumps to comply with these standards.
Free radon checklist download for homeowners
To simplify the process, homeowners can use a radon safety checklist to:
- Track testing timelines
- Prepare for in-home radon assessments
- Compare mitigation types and follow-up test schedules
Download our free checklist to prepare your home and compare mitigation options clearly.
Start your radon safety journey with clarity. Download your free checklist — it walks through testing steps, prep tips, and mitigation options for Calgary homes.
