Health Canada
www.hc-sc.gc.ca
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Protect Yourself and Your Family
On this page:
- What can you do to protect yourself and your family?
- Testing for radon
- What do I do if my radon levels are high?
What can you do to protect yourself and your family?
Did you know?
The only way to know if radon is in your home is to take a simple and inexpensive test. Long term testing for a minimum of 3 months is recommended.
Radon testing is relatively simple and inexpensive. Radon test devices can be purchased by phone or over the internet and are available at some home improvement retailers across Canada. You can also hire a certified radon measurement professional to come and test your home. Health Canada recognizes the certification programs offered by the National Environmental Health Association's National Radon Proficiency Program and the National Radon Safety Board. Lists of certified Canadian measurement professionals are available from the 
National Environmental Health Association - National Radon Proficiency Program from the National Radon Safety Board , or by calling 914-345-1168. The most popular long term radon detectors are the electret ion chamber and the alpha track detector. These devices are exposed to the air in a home for a specified period of time, and then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Radon is measured in units called "becquerels per cubic meter"
(Bq/m³).
It is not uncommon to see radon levels in a house change by a factor of two to three or more over a one-day period. Seasonal variations can be even more dramatic with the highest levels usually experienced during the fall and winter months when air circulation and ventilation is decreased.
Since the radon concentration inside a home varies over time, measurements gathered over a longer period of time are generally considered to give a more accurate picture of the radon exposure. Health Canada recommends that homes be tested for a minimum of three months, ideally during the winter months as the radon concentrations are usually representative at this time.
Testing for Radon
When conducting the radon test yourself observe the manufacturer's instructions and the guidelines below when placing a radon detector in your home:
- Make the measurement in the lowest lived-in area of your home. By lived-in we mean; where you or a member of your family spends more than 4 hours per day in that area.
- Avoid taking measurements in the kitchen. The exhaust fan as well as humidity and airborne particles from cooking may affect the accuracy of some types of radon detectors. Also, avoid bathrooms since relatively little time is spent in this room.
- Place the detector where it will not be disturbed during the measurement period but avoid small enclosed areas, such as a cupboard or closet.
- Do not place the detector close to an outside wall or near a sump or floor drain.
- Avoid locating the detector in drafts from heating or air conditioning vents, near windows or doors, or sources of heat, such as stoves, fireplaces or strong sunlight.
- Place the detector a minimum of 50cm from any floor, wall or ceiling and more than 20cm from other objects.
Health Canada has developed standard protocols for radon testing in homes, schools and other large buildings. These protocols provide detailed instructions and guidance to radon testing companies and homeowners on how to perform a radon test. Health Canada recommends that homes be tested for a minimum of three months, ideally between October and April. The cost of radon testing is approximately $50 to $100.
As part of the National Radon Program, Health Canada will be conducting a cross Canada residential radon survey in an effort to gain a better understanding of radon concentrations in homes across Canada.
What do I do if my Radon levels are high?
Remedial measures should be undertaken in a dwelling whenever the average annual radon concentration exceeds 200 Bq/m3 in the normal occupancy area.
When remedial action is taken, the radon level should be reduced to a value as low as practicable.
How Soon to Remediate?
| Radon Concentration | Recommended Action Time |
|---|---|
| 1. > 600 Bq/m³ | In less than 1 year |
| 2. 200 - 600 Bq/m³ | In less than 2 years |
| 3. < 200 Bq/m³ | No action required |
The following checklist of actions should be considered when your home tests above 200 Bq/m³:
- Contact Health Canada for information on health risks Tel: 1-613-954-6647 or 1-613-948-3232;
- Contact Canadian Radiation Protection Association (CRPA) (CMHC) for information on fixing your home Tel: 1-800-668-2642;
- Contact your provincial/territorial governmental representative for advice; and
- Contact National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) Web site for the consultants registry to find a list of service providers who can mitigate your home.
Mitigation, if needed, should be done by an experienced contractor. As with any contract, caution is recommended since contracts are legally binding. Therefore, you should ask the contractor for references and confirm they have certification from an accredited organization.
Currently, Health Canada recognizes the testing and mitigation certification programs offered in the United States through either the National Environmental Health Association or the National Radon Safety Board. Both organizations operate a certification program for individuals who offer radon measurement and mitigation services to the public. The program is designed to provide a list of individuals who have qualified through an educational and examination process to provide high quality radon testing and mitigation services. Periodic performance checks and continuing education requirements must be met in order to maintain the qualification following initial certification. Health Canada encourages Canadians to use an individual or company that participates in one of these certification programs. Information on these certification programs may be found on their respective Web sites.
