Radon, Get Gone!

Radon gas is something you definitely don’t want to ignore. Recently, if you’ve been hearing about it, you probably already know it’s not something to take lightly. But the good news is, it doesn’t have to be terrifying if you understand how to handle it properly.

You can safeguard your family and your home from the harmful effects of radon. It all starts with regular testing and taking action if needed. Here’s everything you need to know about radon and how to stay safe from its dangerous impacts.

What exactly is radon?

Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that occurs naturally and is released from the ground into the air. It forms from the decay of uranium in soil, rocks, and water. In Canada, the recommended radon level is 200 becquerels per cubic meter (200 Bq/m³).

Weather changes can impact the amount of radon gas that escapes from the earth. Variations in wind and pressure concentrations also fluctuate with the seasons. Often, the highest levels of radon are found during the winter months.

Although radon is radioactive, it’s harmless in open spaces or in low concentrations. Whew!

Curious to learn more about radon? We put together this video just for you!

When does radon become dangerous?

Unfortunately, the consequences of radon exposure can be quite serious. When radon accumulates in confined spaces over time and in large quantities, it can be lethal.

Did you know that exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada? This gas is linked to between 10,000 and 40,000 cases of lung cancer every decade. Only smoking causes more cases.

• Health Canada estimates that 16% of lung cancers are due to radon exposure, resulting in more than 3,000 lung cancer deaths in Canada annually.
• Your risk increases significantly if you also smoke.
• Children are especially vulnerable because their developing organs and faster breathing rates make them 10 times more susceptible to the dangers of radon.

This is pretty alarming, particularly since radon is impossible to detect without specialized equipment. You can’t see, hear, taste, or smell it.

Measuring and managing radon requires specific tools. Keep in mind that radon levels can vary greatly from one location to another, even within the same neighborhood.

The silver lining here is that radon can be detected and managed effectively.

Protecting your home from radon gas

Rest assured, radon accumulation is completely preventable. If it becomes an issue in your home, it can be fixed!

Health Canada estimates that approximately 10% of homes have radon levels above the recommended guidelines. The current Canadian guideline for radon is 200 becquerels per cubic meter (200 Bq/m³).

How much radon a home accumulates and how quickly it builds up depends on the region. Homes in different parts of Alberta will have varying levels of radon. Experts at Rümi, along with Health Canada, recommend testing your home for radon every few years. If necessary, a mitigation system should be installed.

What do radon professionals look for in your home?

1. Entry points and where radon likes to accumulate

Radon can seep into your home through:

• Cracks and gaps in your foundation
• Spaces around pipes
• Water taps and showerheads
• The soil beneath your home (especially in basements)

Once it enters through these pathways, it can get trapped and reach hazardous concentrations.

Interestingly, radon buildup is actually more common in newer homes. Designed to be airtight to withstand harsh Alberta winters, these homes often don’t allow enough space for radon to escape.

If your home has a foundation, consider doing a radon checkup every couple of years.

2. How much radon has built up

Almost every home has some radon, but it’s the concentration that matters most. Neighboring houses can have vastly different radon levels.

To find out the radon levels in your home, you’ll need a visit from the friendly professionals at Rümi.

Air quality testing can let you know if your radon levels are safe. We offer radon testing, or you can purchase a radon tester to do it yourself. If your radon levels exceed Health Canada guidelines, we’ll create a plan to address the issue.

3. Solutions for high radon concentrations

So your radon levels are high—what now?

The good news is that you can reduce radon levels in your home.

You can:

• Seal cracks and openings in your foundation
• Improve ventilation
• Install a radon mitigation system (and we can help with that!)

What is radon mitigation?

Radon mitigation involves reducing the concentration of radon gas in your living space. It may also involve removing radon from your water supply.

How it works:

• A radon mitigation system typically includes a depressurization system. Upgrades to your home’s ventilation and sealing problem areas also play a role in reducing radon buildup.
• Ventilation system upgrades might involve installing a vent pipe from your basement to the roof. Paired with a fan, these systems will draw radon gas from the soil and release it outdoors. Once outside, radon gas is no longer harmful.
• Real-time monitoring of your home’s radon gas concentration, humidity, and temperature is available. Notifications go straight to your smartphone when levels are too high, providing 24/7 peace of mind. Consider investing in this if your radon levels are high or if your home is prone to rapid buildup.

Ready to be rid of radon?

You can test for radon gas yourself using our at-home radon testers. If mitigation or additional services from our team of professionals are required, feel free to give us a call!

Rümi experts are certified and ready to evaluate your home. If necessary, we’ll install mitigation systems to keep your family safe from radon gas. Breathe easy with renewed peace of mind—backed by a money-back guarantee!