What is Radon and Why is it a Concern in Calgary?
If you’re a homeowner or property manager in Calgary, knowing the risks associated with indoor radon gas isn’t just important—it’s essential for protecting your health and your property’s long-term safety. Radon is an invisible, odourless radioactive gas that naturally seeps from the soil and can accumulate inside homes. Calgary’s unique geological makeup contributes to some of the highest average radon levels in Alberta, according to Health Canada and Environment Canada. Understanding the science behind radon, how it forms, and why it’s dangerous can help you take meaningful steps to protect the air you breathe.
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Understanding radon as a radioactive gas
Radon is a naturally occurring alpha-emitting gas formed from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. Without colour, smell, or taste, it enters enclosed spaces undetected, making it a serious yet often overlooked indoor air pollutant. When concentrated indoors, radon exposure becomes a legitimate public health concern due to its proven link to lung cancer.
Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in Canada, following only smoking, and is responsible for over 3,000 Canadian deaths annually.
How radon forms and why it’s dangerous
The uranium decay process produces radon as a byproduct, which slowly migrates upward through the ground. In outdoor environments, radon disperses harmlessly. Indoors, however, especially in sealed and insulated environments like basements, radon becomes trapped. Prolonged exposure, even at levels below Health Canada’s guideline of 200 Bq/m³, has been linked to a significantly increased risk of lung cancer, even in non-smokers.
Calgary homes and radon risk data (Health Canada & Environment Canada sources)
Multiple studies from Health Canada and Environment Canada confirm that Calgary homes are prone to higher-than-average radon levels. In fact, large-scale testing in Southern Alberta found that over 50% of tested homes exceeded the 200 Bq/m³ threshold. Calgary’s soil composition, climate, and construction preferences (finished basements, slab-on-grade foundations) all contribute to heightened radon accumulation risk.
Calgary has some of the highest average radon levels in Alberta, making regular testing and professional mitigation essential for homeowners.
Don’t wait until symptoms appear—proactive knowledge is your first step toward prevention.
How Radon Gets Into Your Home and Affects Your Health
Radon gas movement and mitigation inside a Calgary home, as analyzed by Calgary Radon Detection experts.
Your home could be silently accumulating harmful levels of radon without you ever knowing. Calgary homes, in particular, are susceptible due to the region’s geology and cold-climate construction practices. If your property includes a basement or slab foundation, you’re especially at risk. Radon finds its way indoors through gaps in the building envelope, and once it’s in, it can stay—building to dangerous concentrations over time. Understanding how radon enters and its impact on your health is critical to prevention.
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.
Radon entry points: cracks, connections, and sump pumps
Radon gas enters homes from the soil beneath them. Common entry points include:
- Foundation cracks and construction joints
- Gaps around service pipes and utility penetrations
- Sump pump openings and drain tiles
- Crawl spaces or unfinished basement floors
Negative air pressure in the home can actually pull radon gas upward from the soil, intensifying accumulation. Because entry pathways are typically invisible, regular inspection is the only reliable way to detect them.
Radon enters homes through foundation cracks, joints, and earth-connected features.
Long-term radon exposure and lung cancer risk
When inhaled, radon particles emit radiation that can damage lung tissue at a cellular level. This damage accumulates silently over time. According to Health Canada, individuals exposed to radon levels above 200 Bq/m³ for extended periods are at significantly higher risk of developing lung cancer—notably non-smokers, who account for thousands of radon-induced cases annually.
The risk increases significantly above 200 Bq/m³, even for non-smokers.
Why children and seniors are especially vulnerable
Children and older adults are biologically more susceptible to radon-induced lung damage. Children breathe more rapidly, increasing their exposure dose, while aging lungs often have reduced capacity to repair DNA damage. In multi-generational homes—a common setup in Calgary—this makes early detection of indoor radon all the more urgent. Mitigating exposure isn’t just a house issue: it’s a vulnerable family member issue.
Certified testing is the only way to be certain your home is safe from harmful radon exposure.
Radon Testing: DIY vs Certified Professional Testing in Calgary
Reliable radon testing tools used by Calgary Radon Detection to ensure safe indoor air quality in Calgary homes.
Considering radon testing for your home in Calgary? You have options—but not all are created equal. Whether you’re selling your home, concerned about long-term exposure, or simply want peace of mind, choosing between a DIY radon kit and a certified professional testing service comes down to accuracy, reliability, and data quality. Let’s explore which approach best suits your goals and Calgary’s high-risk context.
Accuracy comparison: DIY kit vs. continuous radon monitor
DIY kits typically consist of charcoal-based or alpha track detectors. While they’ll give a basic average, they lack the time-sensitive, high-resolution data needed for effective decision-making. Professional services use Continuous Radon Monitors (CRMs)—precise, lab-calibrated electronic devices that record hourly readings for more comprehensive insight.
DIY tests lack the accuracy and consistency of certified devices.
Pros and cons of DIY kits and when they make sense
Pros: DIY radon kits are affordable and widely available. For curious homeowners looking to perform a quick scan over several months, they can be a good starting point.
Cons: The results can be influenced by improper handling, placement errors, or environmental fluctuations. Moreover, they don’t provide hourly trends, spikes, or detailed exposure profiling—important for long-term risk assessment or real estate transactions.
Why professional testing provides better data for health or resale needs
Professionally conducted tests are ideal when addressing urgent health concerns, preparing for home sales, or qualifying for radon mitigation rebates. Calgary Radon Detection offers free certified tests utilizing high-accuracy CRMs and full post-test consultation. This level of detail isn’t just helpful—it’s often required by real estate agents, mortgage lenders, or mitigation contractors.
Free tests from Calgary Radon Detection are certified and include proper follow-up.
For Calgary’s high-risk homes, professional testing delivers the peace of mind DIY kits can’t guarantee.
Why Hire a Certified Radon Inspection Company in Calgary?
A Calgary Radon Detection expert provides trusted inspection results to a homeowner in Calgary, AB.
If you’re a Calgary homeowner concerned about indoor air quality, working with a certified radon inspection company is one of the most important decisions you can make to protect your family’s health. Radon gas is invisible, odorless—and one of the leading causes of lung cancer in Canada. Only a professional certified by recognized bodies like C-NRPP can ensure accurate radon testing and safe mitigation, giving you clarity and peace of mind.
The role of C-NRPP certification in radon testing and mitigation
C-NRPP (Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program) certification is the gold standard for radon professionals. Certification ensures that the radon inspector follows national guidelines for testing protocols, equipment calibration, and mitigation system design. Calgary Radon Detection proudly employs only certified radon professionals trained in Health Canada’s recommended practices for both short-term and long-term radon testing. These specialists are not just technicians—they are trained to investigate radon entry pathways and tailor mitigation plans for Calgary’s climate and home styles.
“Only certified companies follow C-NRPP protocols trusted across Canada.”
How Calgary Radon Detection ensures accurate, ethical inspections
Unlike DIY kits or unqualified contractors, Calgary Radon Detection uses commercial-grade testing equipment placed strategically based on your home’s layout. Our inspectors follow a consultative approach—explaining every result, walking you through next steps, and advising on whether you need mitigation. We never push unnecessary services and always provide transparent reporting calibrated to the specific risks of radon levels in Calgary. Whether you’re selling, buying, or living in your home long-term, ethical radon testing is key to making informed decisions.
“Our experts are trained to reduce your radon levels quickly and effectively.”
Real-world case studies and customer stories from Calgary homeowners
Recently, a couple in northwest Calgary contacted us shortly before listing their home. Through our free test program, we detected radon at 280 Bq/m3—well above Health Canada’s action level. After installing a mitigation system, we retested and confirmed levels dropped below 40 Bq/m3. The buyers were thrilled, and the home sold quickly thanks to documentation of a professional, certified inspection.
“Customers consistently say our testing gave peace of mind before selling or buying.”
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 After a Radon Test? Understanding Your Options
A professionally installed radon mitigation system by Calgary Radon Detection ensures safe indoor air quality for Calgary homes.
If your radon test shows levels above the Health Canada guideline of 200 Bq/m3, don’t panic—there are proven solutions to immediately reduce risk. Calgary Radon Detection helps homeowners and property managers understand test results, install effective mitigation systems, and monitor for sustained results. Knowing your next steps makes all the difference for your peace of mind and indoor air safety.
How to interpret radon test results accurately
Whether you used a short-term radon test (over 48-96 hours) or a long-term monitor (over 90+ days), interpreting levels requires context. Seasonal variation, home ventilation habits, and foundation type all play a role. A result over 200 Bq/m3 means action is recommended, but our experts will help you understand the numbers, possible causes, and mitigation timing. Our inspectors create easy-to-read reports showing trends—peace of mind starts with knowledge.
Radon mitigation systems: how they work
Calgary Radon Detection specializes in sub-slab depressurization systems, which are widely regarded as the most effective radon mitigation method. These setups involve a PVC pipe inserted beneath the basement floor slab, connected to a quiet fan that continuously pulls radon gas away before it enters the home. Pipes are sealed and vented safely to the exterior. Every installation is customized to the home’s layout to ensure efficiency and visual discretion.
“Most high-radon homes benefit from sub-slab depressurization using a mitigation fan.”
Post-mitigation testing and confirming success
Installing a mitigation system is just the first step—verification testing ensures it works effectively. Calgary Radon Detection includes a post-mitigation test beginning 24 hours after the system is installed and extending for 90+ days when possible. Our inspectors also document airflow performance and system integrity. We align with Health Canada’s recommendations for long-term follow-up to ensure your home stays safe year-round—especially through Calgary’s varying seasons and HVAC cycles.
“After mitigation, testing should continue for 90+ days to verify reduced levels.”
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!
