If your neighbor just tested their home and found low radon levels, you might assume you’re in the clear. After all, your homes are on the same street, maybe even built around the same time. But when it comes to radon gas, location and similarities mean surprisingly little.
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Radon levels in Calgary can vary dramatically—even between houses just a few feet apart. So if you’re wondering whether your neighbor’s test result guarantees your safety, the answer is a clear no. In this article, we’ll explain why home radon testing is essential for every Calgary household, regardless of what others nearby have discovered.
Why Radon Levels Vary from House to House
Radon is a radioactive gas formed from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It moves upward through the ground and enters buildings through small openings—like foundation cracks, sump pumps, or floor drains. Once inside, it mixes with your indoor air and can build up to high levels of radon without any visible signs.
Even homes right next to each other can have very different levels of radon due to:
- Soil differences below the foundation
- Construction materials and insulation
- Foundation type and structural gaps
- HVAC and ventilation systems
- Basement usage and air pressure patterns
That’s why Health Canada recommends that every home be tested individually, regardless of what surrounding properties have shown.
The Health Risks of Ignoring Radon
Radon is more than a structural concern—it’s a serious health risk. Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause overall. In fact, lung cancer in Canada caused by radon accounts for over 3,000 deaths each year.
When you inhale radon gas over time, the radioactive particles can damage the lining of your lungs, increasing your risk of developing cancer. The risk of lung cancer is higher the longer you’re exposed and the higher the level of radon in your home.
This means that assuming your home is safe—based on someone else’s test—can leave you and your family vulnerable to invisible, long-term danger.
How to Know If You’re Safe: Test Your Own Home
If your long term radon test shows high levels of radon, don’t worry—there are proven solutions. Installing a radon mitigation system is the most effective way to reduce indoor concentrations. These systems typically involve venting the gas from beneath your foundation before it can enter your living space.
Professional mitigation can significantly reduce radon to safe levels and improve your indoor air quality year-round. Many companies specializing in homes for radon offer bundled testing and mitigation services for convenience.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers—and Calgary is in a high-risk zone. Start with a Calgary radon test to know your levels, then trust our experts for radon remediation in Calgary if needed. One call protects your home.
Your Home Is Unique—So Is Your Risk
Your neighbor’s radon test result can be helpful—but it’s not a substitute for testing your own home. The science is clear: radon is a radioactive gas that behaves unpredictably based on each home’s structure and location.
If you live in Calgary, where radon concentrations are among the highest in Canada, home radon testing should be part of your regular safety checks. Protect your home, your health, and your peace of mind—regardless of what your neighbor’s results say.
