How to Test Radon in Your Home: A Guide to Accurate Monitoring in Canada

Recent media coverage has brought renewed attention to radon exposure in Canadian homes, and many homeowners are now actively searching for ways to evaluate their indoor air quality. Radon is an invisible radioactive gas that enters buildings from the ground, and because it has no smell or immediate symptoms, testing is the only way to determine whether levels are elevated.

Health Canada recommends radon testing in normally occupied areas of the home to estimate average annual exposure and guide mitigation decisions. As awareness grows, understanding the different testing approaches and the importance of approved radon monitoring devices can help homeowners make informed choices to protect their living environment.

Why Radon Testing Matters

Radon levels fluctuate throughout the day and across seasons due to ventilation patterns, weather conditions, and building dynamics. Because of this variability, meaningful measurement requires capturing long-term exposure rather than relying on a single snapshot reading.

Health Canada recommends testing for at least 91 days, with three to twelve months considered ideal for obtaining representative results. Measurements are compared against the Canadian guideline of 200 Bq/m³, above which remediation is recommended. Long-term measurement provides a clearer picture of risk because radon levels can vary substantially between winter and summer, and even between consecutive days.

Recent Canadian Radon Statistics

Recent national reporting highlights the growing scope of radon exposure in Canada:

• Roughly 1 in 5 residential buildings is estimated to have elevated radon levels
  

• This rate has more than doubled since the late 2000s
  

• Radon contributes to approximately 3,200 radon-related lung cancer deaths each year
  

• More than 4 in 10 households remain unaware of radon risks
  

• Studies suggest millions of homes may be affected nationwide
  

• About 18% of residences measure at or above the national guideline of 200 Bq/m³

These findings reinforce why health authorities consistently emphasize radon testing as the only reliable way to determine an individual household’s risk.

Your Options for Testing Radon

Passive Test Kits

Passive test kits are often used for initial screening because they are inexpensive and simple to deploy. These kits measure average exposure over a set period of time and are then mailed to a lab for analysis once testing concludes. Because these kits must be shipped and processed to a laboratory after the testing period ends, homeowners often wait several days to a few weeks to receive their results. While they provide a baseline assessment, they do not offer real-time feedback or insight into fluctuations that may occur within the testing period.

Professional Measurement

Certified radon professionals can perform measurements using specialized equipment, which is commonly required for real estate transactions or post-mitigation verification. These professionals rely on calibrated, certified electronic monitors that record continuous readings and maintain detailed measurement logs. This approach ensures the correct test placement, duration, and reporting in accordance with established measurement protocols.

Continuous Radon Monitors For Home Use

Continuous radon monitors for home or electronic radon monitors designed for residential use provide an alternative that allows homeowners to track radon levels over time without waiting for laboratory results. These electronic devices generate ongoing readings and reveal how concentrations change in response to environmental factors, seasonal patterns, or ventilation adjustments. By offering immediate visibility into radon trends, continuous monitoring supports early detection, long-term monitoring, and confirmation of mitigation effectiveness.

Why Approved Devices Matter

When selecting a measurement solution, device validation is important. Programs such as the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) evaluate monitoring technologies and maintain recognized lists of devices that have demonstrated acceptable performance through intercomparison testing.

Consumer monitors, including EcoQube and RadonEye, are among the devices that have appeared on C-NRPP-approved electronic radon monitor listings, reflecting verified performance under controlled testing conditions. Such validation helps homeowners distinguish between measurement tools that meet reliability expectations and those that have not undergone a formal performance review.

What to Do if Radon Levels Are High

If measurements indicate concentrations above the national guideline, it should be seriously considered to install a mitigation system, which can significantly reduce indoor radon levels. These systems typically involve sub-slab depressurization, which redirects soil gases safely outside the structure. Health Canada’s radon measurement guide recommends prioritizing mitigation timelines based on measured concentration levels, with higher readings requiring faster action.

Following installation, additional testing confirms system effectiveness and ensures continued performance. Ongoing monitoring can help homeowners maintain awareness of changing conditions over time.

From Awareness to Action

Growing public attention toward radon exposure is helping more homeowners recognize the importance of testing, but awareness alone does not reduce risk. Measurement remains the essential first step toward understanding your radon exposure and determining appropriate mitigation strategies.

Whether homeowners choose a passive test kit, professional measurement, or continuous radon monitor, taking action to measure indoor radon levels enables informed decisions that support long-term household safety.

FAQ

1. What is the "safe" level of radon in a Canadian home?

While there is no technically "safe" level of radon, Health Canada has established a guideline of 200 Bq/m³. If your long-term test results are above this level, Health Canada recommends taking action to reduce the radon concentrations in your home. Even if your levels are below 200 Bq/m³, you may still choose to mitigate, as any reduction in radon exposure can lower your risk of lung cancer.

2. How long should I test for radon to get an accurate reading?

Health Canada recommends a long-term test of at least 91 days, ideally during the winter months when windows and doors are closed. Because radon levels fluctuate significantly based on weather and ventilation, a short-term "snapshot" test (under 48–72 hours) is generally not considered sufficient for making health-based mitigation decisions.

3. Can I use a digital monitor instead of a mail-in lab kit?

Yes, continuous electronic radon monitors (CRMs) are an excellent option for homeowners. Unlike passive kits that require lab analysis, digital monitors provide real-time data and show how levels change over time. However, it is important to choose a device that is C-NRPP approved to ensure it has been validated for accuracy and reliability.

4. If my neighbor’s radon levels are low, do I still need to test?

Absolutely. Radon levels are highly localized and depend on the specific soil composition beneath your home and the integrity of your foundation. It is common for one house to have high levels while the house next door measures quite low. Testing is the only way to know the specific risk in your own living space.

5. What is the most effective way to fix high radon levels?

The most common and effective method is Active Sub-Slab Depressurization (ASD). This involves a certified professional installing a pipe through the foundation floor and a specialized fan that draws radon gas from beneath the house and vents it safely outdoors before it can enter your home. This system can typically reduce radon levels by over 90%.