Radon Questions, Answered

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed by the decay of uranium in soil and rock. It's colourless, odourless, and tasteless — completely undetectable without proper equipment. It seeps into buildings through foundation cracks, gaps around pipes, floor drains, and construction joints.

When radon decays, it releases radioactive particles that can be inhaled and become lodged in lung tissue. Over years of exposure to elevated levels, this can cause lung cancer. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in Canada, responsible for an estimated 3,200 deaths per year (Health Canada).

Health Canada's guideline is 200 Bq/m³ (Becquerels per cubic metre). Homes measuring above this threshold are recommended for mitigation. The World Health Organization suggests an even lower reference level of 100 Bq/m³. There is no truly "safe" level of radon — lower is always better.

Yes. Radon can enter any building regardless of age, construction type, or energy efficiency. New homes, old homes, well-sealed homes — all can have elevated levels. The only way to know is to test. Even homes built with radon rough-in provisions may still require an active mitigation system.

We use the same calibrated continuous radon monitor for both. A long-term test leaves the monitor in place for 91+ days and provides the most accurate annual average. A short-term test runs for 48–96 hours and is used for time-sensitive situations like real estate transactions. The hardware is identical — only the duration and how the readings are summarized differ.

Detectors should be placed in the lowest regularly occupied area of the home — typically the basement. The room should be used at least 4 hours per day. Avoid bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, or areas near windows and exterior doors. Our technicians handle placement to ensure accurate results.

We use professionally calibrated measurement equipment that meets industry standards for accuracy. Long-term tests provide the most reliable annual average since they account for seasonal fluctuations. Short-term tests are indicative and suitable for time-sensitive decisions, but a long-term follow-up is always recommended for a complete picture.

Health Canada recommends testing every 2–5 years, or after any major renovation, HVAC change, foundation repair, or change in how you use your basement. If you've had a mitigation system installed, test annually for the first two years to confirm performance, then every 2–5 years thereafter.

ASD is the most effective radon mitigation method endorsed by Health Canada. A pipe is inserted through the basement floor to create a suction point beneath the slab. A low-energy fan draws radon out from under the foundation continuously and exhausts it safely above the roofline — before it can enter your living space.

ASD systems typically reduce radon levels by 90–97% in most GTA homes. A home measuring 340 Bq/m³ can be brought to under 30 Bq/m³ — well below the Health Canada guideline of 200 Bq/m³. We measure post-installation levels to confirm performance before we close the job.

Most installations are completed in 4–6 hours. Complex systems or homes requiring multiple suction points may take a full day. You can stay home during the installation — there is a brief period of drilling noise but otherwise minimal disruption. We clean up thoroughly before leaving.

Our 10-year warranty covers all parts (fan, piping, fittings) and labour. If any covered component fails within the warranty period, we repair or replace it at no additional cost. The warranty is transferable to new owners if you sell your home — a meaningful selling feature.

Yes. Studies estimate that 7–10% of Toronto-area homes have radon levels exceeding the Health Canada guideline of 200 Bq/m³. Radon levels vary significantly by neighbourhood based on local geology — areas with sedimentary rock, sandy soils, or glacial deposits tend to have higher concentrations. The only way to know your level is to test.

Radon levels are influenced by local soil and bedrock composition. Areas in North York, Scarborough, and parts of the GTA with glacial till or sandy soils have shown higher readings in population studies. However, elevated radon has been measured throughout the city — even in areas with low average levels. Individual home factors (foundation type, ventilation, soil contact) matter as much as location.

Ontario's Building Code now requires radon rough-in provisions in new builds (a capped pipe beneath the slab). This makes activation easier, but does not prevent radon entry on its own. Many newer homes still require an active fan system. We recommend testing any home — new or old — within the first few years of occupancy.

Ontario does not currently mandate radon testing or disclosure for residential real estate transactions. However, buyer awareness is growing, and radon tests are increasingly requested as part of the conditional period. We strongly recommend buyers include a radon test condition when purchasing any detached, semi-detached, or townhouse property.

Our short-term test runs for 48–96 hours under closed-house conditions, using the same calibrated continuous monitor as our long-term tests. We can typically schedule within 1–2 business days of your request. Results are provided as a clear written report including the test protocol, hourly readings, and final radon level.

You have several options: request the seller mitigate before closing, negotiate a price reduction to cover mitigation costs, or factor it into your decision. Radon mitigation is effective and we'll provide a free estimate so you can negotiate with full information.

Radon exposure has no immediate symptoms. It causes damage gradually over years of exposure — which is why it's so dangerous. Lung cancer from radon typically takes 5–25 years to develop. By the time symptoms appear, significant damage has already occurred. Testing and mitigation are the only preventive actions.

Anyone exposed to elevated radon levels over an extended period is at risk. The risk increases with the concentration of radon, the duration of exposure, and whether the person smokes. Smokers exposed to radon have a significantly higher risk of lung cancer than non-smokers — the effects compound. Children are also considered higher risk due to faster breathing rates and longer life expectancy ahead.

Mitigation stops the ongoing exposure immediately — which is the most important step. Your elevated risk from past exposure does not disappear, but it does stop increasing. The sooner levels are reduced, the less cumulative exposure you and your family face. Acting now is always the right decision.