Health Canada Recommends Long-Term Radon Testing: Understanding the Guidelines and Device Options

Radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, responsible for about 16% of lung cancer deaths in Canada, which equates to an estimated 3,200 people each year. Even more concerning, about 1 in 5 Canadian homes is estimated to have radon levels above Health Canada’s guideline of 200 Bq/m³.

Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless—making it impossible to detect without a test. But not just any test will do. Because radon levels naturally fluctuate from day to day and season to season, Health Canada strongly recommends long-term radon testing (at least 91 days) to get an accurate picture of your home’s true exposure risk.

In its Guide for Radon Measurements in Residential Dwellings, Health Canada clearly outlines why long-term radon testing is the gold standard. And for the first time, the agency includes consumer-grade electronic radon monitors (ERMs), when they meet C-NRPP standards, as a recommended option.

The guide is extremely useful for anyone looking to better understand how to test properly and interpret results. We highly recommend giving it a read.

Why Long-Term Radon Testing Matters

Short-term tests can offer a quick snapshot, but may not fully capture radon trends due to constant fluctuations and seasonal variations in radon levels. Health Canada recommends long-term testing (at least 91 days) during the heating season to ensure results accurately reflect the health risks associated with prolonged radon exposure.

“Health Canada recommends the use of long-term radon devices that have passed the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) performance testing.”

Health Canada-Recommended Radon Devices

There are two categories of Health Canada-recommended radon testing devices:

• Passive devices, such as charcoal canisters and alpha track detectors
  

• Active devices, such as electronic radon monitors (ERMs), also called continuous radon monitors (CRMs).

To be considered reliable, these devices must be C-NRPP approved, meaning they’ve passed rigorous performance testing under the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program.

Ecosense Radon Monitors Are on the C-NRPP Approved List

Ecosense is proud to offer several radon monitors included on the C-NRPP’s approved list of consumer-grade devices. These include: EcoBlu, EcoQube, and RadonEye.

Each of these monitors is designed for accurate, continuous, and long-term radon monitoring. They provide homeowners with real-time insights and data tracking, helping inform decisions about mitigation and safety.

What About Device Certification?

It’s important to clarify that Health Canada does not certify individual products. Instead, it recommends using devices that meet C-NRPP performance standards. This distinction is critical: Ecosense monitors are among the recognized and recommended devices listed by C-NRPP and considered acceptable for home use under Health Canada’s testing guide.

Why This Matters for Homeowners

The inclusion of consumer-grade electronic radon monitors in Health Canada’s updated guidelines marks a progressive step towards greater accessibility for homeowners. Now, homeowners across Canada can conduct accurate long-term radon testing without relying solely on professional services or lab-based kits.

When used according to the guide, devices like EcoQube, EcoBlu, and RadonEye offer a convenient, accurate, and Health Canada-recommended approach to monitoring radon over time.

Key Takeaway

Health Canada now recommends long-term radon testing using devices that meet C-NRPP performance standards. Ecosense’s EcoQube, EcoBlu, and RadonEye are all on the C-NRPP list of approved monitors, helping homeowners test with confidence and take meaningful action to protect their indoor air quality.