Calgary Radon Blog | Safety Tips & Testing Guides
Air quality testing in Calgary goes beyond radon to assess multiple indoor pollutants including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold spores, carbon dioxide levels, particulate matter, and humidity. Comprehensive indoor air quality inspections identify pollution sources, ventilation deficiencies, and health hazards that affect respiratory health. Professional IAQ testing provides baseline measurements and actionable recommendations for improving home air quality.
Workplace radon safety in Calgary falls under Alberta Occupational Health and Safety regulations requiring employers to assess and control radiation hazards. CSA standards mandate radon testing in ground-contact workspaces, with the 200 Bq/m³ action level applying to occupational settings. Employers must implement mitigation when levels exceed guidelines, maintain testing records, and inform employees of radon risks and protective measures.
Commercial property radon testing in Calgary requires different protocols than residential testing due to building size, occupancy patterns, and regulatory requirements. Multi-point testing across ground-floor and basement areas captures radon variation throughout large footprints. C-NRPP certified commercial testing provides compliance documentation for Alberta OHS regulations, tenant safety assurances, and due diligence records for property transactions.
Radon ventilation systems in Calgary include heat recovery ventilators (HRVs), energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), and mechanical ventilation options that reduce radon concentrations by increasing fresh air exchange. While ventilation alone typically achieves 25-50% radon reduction, it works effectively in combination with sub-slab depressurization for comprehensive mitigation. Proper system sizing accounts for home volume, occupancy, and Calgary's extreme temperature variations.
Radon testing in Calgary follows a systematic process: professional placement of continuous radon monitors in the lowest livable area, 48-96 hour minimum measurement period during closed-home conditions, and detailed results interpretation against Health Canada's 200 Bq/m³ guideline. Long-term testing (91+ days) during heating season provides the most accurate annual average. Results guide mitigation decisions and establish baseline documentation for future reference.
Home radon system installation in Calgary involves professional assessment of foundation type, soil conditions, and radon concentration levels to determine optimal mitigation design. Residential systems typically use sub-slab depressurization with 3-4 inch PVC piping, inline radon fans, and exterior venting above the roofline. C-NRPP certified installers complete most residential installations in 4-8 hours, with post-installation testing confirming 80-99% radon reduction.
Seasonal radon levels in Calgary fluctuate significantly, with winter months typically showing 2-3 times higher concentrations than summer. The stack effect during heating season creates negative pressure that draws radon-laden soil gas into homes through foundation openings. Frozen ground seals escape routes, concentrating radon beneath foundations. Health Canada recommends testing during October-April heating season for accurate annual average readings.
Radon mitigation methods include sub-slab depressurization (most effective at 80-99% reduction), crawl space encapsulation, heat recovery ventilation, and foundation sealing. Sub-slab depressurization creates negative pressure beneath the foundation, preventing radon entry into living spaces. System selection depends on foundation type, radon concentration, home layout, and budget. C-NRPP certified professionals design and install systems meeting Health Canada guidelines.
Free radon test programs provide no-cost professional testing for qualifying homeowners, typically through C-NRPP certified providers, government health initiatives, or promotional offers from mitigation companies. Eligibility often depends on home location, property age, and previous testing history. Free professional testing includes calibrated continuous monitors, proper placement protocols, and detailed results—superior accuracy compared to retail DIY kits.
Radon removal services in Calgary use sub-slab depressurization systems to safely extract radioactive gas from beneath home foundations. C-NRPP certified technicians install sealed PVC piping connected to inline fans that create negative pressure zones, preventing radon from entering living spaces. Professional removal achieves 80-99% reduction in radon concentrations, with post-installation testing confirming levels drop below Health Canada's 200 Bq/m³ guideline.