What is Radon?
Living in Calgary means enjoying natural beauty, but it also comes with a hidden health concern lurking beneath your feet—radon gas. You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it, yet it can accumulate silently in your home and pose serious long-term risks. Understanding what radon is, where it comes from, and why it’s a concern for homeowners and property managers is the first step to protecting indoor air quality and your family’s well-being.
Need accurate results you can trust? Calgary Radon Detection offers certified Radon Testing in Calgary with fast turnaround and expert analysis. Whether you're buying a home or protecting your family, our professional radon test gives you the answers you need. Book your test today.
Where does radon come from?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that originates from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and groundwater. As uranium decays, it emits radon, which can rise through cracks and openings in the foundation of a home or building. Once inside, the gas may become trapped and reach dangerous levels.
In Calgary, the geological makeup and widespread use of basement foundations make properties particularly susceptible to radon intrusion. Since it’s a product of nature, every home is at potential risk, regardless of age or location.
Why radon builds up inside homes
Calgary’s cold climate leads many homeowners to seal their homes tightly for energy efficiency, especially during long winters. This creates the perfect environment for radon to accumulate indoors. Radon enters from the ground and, without proper ventilation or mitigation, becomes concentrated over time—especially in basements and lower living areas.
Fact: Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, according to Health Canada.
Radon facts every Calgarian should know
- Invisible Threat: Radon has no smell, colour, or taste.
- High Exposure Zones: Calgary is officially recognized as a radon-prone zone in Alberta.
- Greater Risk Indoors: Radon levels are typically highest in basements and lower-level rooms.
- Testing is the Only Way: You won’t know your home’s radon level without a professional test.
Knowing these facts empowers you to act. Testing for radon is simple, affordable—and in many cases, completely free in Calgary.
Why Radon Testing is Important
A Calgary family enjoys peace of mind at home after a free radon test ensures their indoor air is safe.
If you’ve never tested your home for radon, you could be unknowingly breathing in harmful radioactive gas every day. Radon exposure doesn’t cause immediate symptoms, but over time, it significantly increases the risk of lung cancer. The only way to know your risk is through reliable residential radon testing carried out by certified professionals.
Hidden risks: You can’t see or smell radon
Unlike carbon monoxide or mould, radon doesn’t present any noticeable signs in the environment. It seeps into your indoor air space unnoticed, accumulating with time. Without a radon gas detection test, homeowners remain unaware of this silent risk. Even modern, sealed homes can harbor high radon levels.
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.
How radon exposure happens at home
Radon gas typically enters homes through foundation cracks, sump pits, plumbing openings, and unfinished basements. Once inside, levels can rise depending on air pressure, insulation, and airflow. The more time people spend in radon-heavy zones—especially during winter—the higher their accumulated exposure.
Public Health Note: Radon-related illnesses develop slowly but result in thousands of preventable Canadian deaths each year.
Who is most at risk
Children, the elderly, and smokers are particularly vulnerable to the effects of radon. Young lungs are still developing, while the elderly often have reduced respiratory strength. Smokers exposed to radon have drastically elevated risks—the combination multiplies cancer risk over time. For families in Calgary, routine radon testing is not just a precaution—it’s a proactive health measure.
Every home is different. Ensure yours isn’t unknowingly endangering your health by scheduling a certified free radon test today.
Calgary’s Radon Risk Zone
A color-coded map of Calgary highlights local radon risk levels, guiding residents to seek free radon testing.
Calgary is officially located in a high-radon risk area, making radon testing not just important—but essential. Whether you live in Auburn Bay or signal hill, radon knows no boundaries and can affect any residence across the city. Health Canada’s radon survey identified Alberta as one of the provinces with the highest exposure rates in the country, and Calgary leads many regions in residential concentrations.
Why Calgary homes are more vulnerable
Several factors contribute to Calgary’s higher radon levels. Most Calgary homes are built on permeable soils that allow radon to travel easily. Additionally, the city’s significant use of basements increases exposure risk, especially when these areas are converted into living spaces without ventilation upgrades.
Soil types and building styles
Calgary sits on expansive clay and gravel soils that efficiently transmit radon gas. Coupled with newer, energy-efficient building designs meant to retain heat, these homes often trap radon inside. While great for energy bills, tight-sealing construction makes controlled ventilation crucial in managing air quality.
Statistic: Over 1 in 6 homes in Alberta test above the Health Canada safety threshold of 200 Bq/m³ for radon gas.
Health Canada’s radon zone classification for Alberta
Health Canada’s nationwide radon program classifies many parts of Alberta—especially Calgary—as Priority Zone 1 areas. This status indicates a strong potential for high residential radon levels. As a result, Health Canada and building code authorities strongly recommend regular residential radon testing, particularly in Calgary’s newer subdivisions.
Prevent future health issues and avoid preventable risks by identifying your home’s radon level early. The first step? Booking a free radon test in Calgary with qualified local professionals.
“`html
How Free Radon Testing Works in Calgary
Avoid the guesswork of store-bought kits — get peace of mind with a no-cost, professional radon test from Calgary Radon Detection. This isn’t just another basic free radon test kit — it’s a certified-grade service with expert oversight, designed for homeowners and property managers across Calgary who want timely, actionable results.
Who qualifies for free professional testing
Calgary Radon Detection offers complimentary radon testing to qualifying homeowners and property managers within Calgary and surrounding communities. Priority is given to households that have not been tested within the last two years or that reside in neighborhoods with known elevated radon levels, based on Health Canada’s radon zone maps. Multi-family buildings and rental properties may also be eligible, depending on current program capacity.
How to request your free radon test
Requesting a test is simple and straightforward. Just contact Calgary Radon Detection via phone or their booking form to schedule a home visit. Once approved, a certified technician will confirm your eligibility, answer your questions, and arrange a time to place a continuous radon monitoring device in your home. No payment, no complex paperwork — just professional service focused on your health and safety.
What to expect during a test appointment
On the day of your appointment, a licensed C-NRPP-certified technician will arrive to assess the best location for the device — typically in your home’s lowest occupied level, such as the basement. The detector will remain in place for a minimum of 5–7 days to collect accurate, time-averaged radon levels. After the monitoring period, the technician returns to retrieve the device and generate a detailed results report.
“Calgary Radon Detection offers no-cost tests to local homeowners — not kits, but professional-grade detection.”
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!
Interpreting Your Results & Next Steps
Just got your radon test results? Understanding what those numbers mean is crucial for taking action and safeguarding your indoor air quality. Whether your home’s radon level is below, near, or above the Health Canada threshold, Calgary Radon Detection walks you through your next steps with clarity and care.
What is a safe level of radon?
According to Health Canada, the actionable radon level is 200 Bq/m³. Levels below that are considered acceptable, but even lower exposures (under 100 Bq/m³) are ideal. Long-term exposure to levels above 200 Bq/m³ significantly increases your risk of lung cancer, particularly for smokers or young children in the household. Your test report will clearly indicate where your home stands on this spectrum.
What to do if your levels are high
If your radon reading exceeds 200 Bq/m³, it’s strongly recommended to take mitigation action. Calgary Radon Detection will explain your options, from professional sub-slab depressurization systems (the gold standard) to temporary fixes such as improved ventilation. Timeliness matters: prolonged exposure can stealthily accumulate health risks over time.
The benefits of early mitigation
Identifying high radon levels early allows homeowners to correct the issue before health symptoms develop or property value is impacted. Professionally installed mitigation systems can reduce radon concentration by up to 90% and maintain healthy indoor air long-term. Taking early action gives families peace of mind and homes a cleaner future.
“The action level from Health Canada is 200 Bq/m³ – anything higher requires mitigation.”
Got your results? If levels are high, we’ll help guide you through expert radon mitigation options—customized for your home.
Radon Mitigation Solutions & Cost in Calgary
Radon doesn’t have to be a lifelong threat — with proper mitigation, Calgary homes can achieve and maintain safe indoor air levels. Whether you’re a hands-on homeowner or prefer expert installation, knowing your options and the cost implications empowers you to make the best decision for your family’s health.
Professional vs DIY mitigation comparison
DIY radon kits — often involving fans, sealants, or air exchangers — may offer some limited effectiveness, especially in low-level cases. However, professional radon mitigation systems deliver proven, long-term results. Certified installers use diagnostic testing and proven technology to install sub-slab depressurization systems that remove radon at the source before it enters your home.
Cost range in Calgary for mitigation systems
The typical cost for radon mitigation in Calgary ranges between $2,500 and $4,000, depending on your home’s layout, square footage, and foundation type. This investment includes equipment, labor, diagnostics, and often a post-mitigation retest to ensure success. Calgary Radon Detection offers tailored quotes based on your individual home and needs.
Sub-slab depressurization explained simply
This mitigation method involves creating under-floor suction to vent radon from beneath your basement slab through a pipe and fan system that exhausts above the roofline. It’s the most effective and widely recommended technique approved by Health Canada and the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP).
“Certified installers ensure long-term effectiveness and system warranties.”
Let’s make your home safe for good. Book a mitigation consultation with a certified Calgary radon professional today.
“`
