Frequently asked questions
What you ask
This is the first I’ve heard of radon gas...what is it and why is it bad for me?
Radon is a radioactive gas which can be found in every building in Canada. Because it naturally occurs when uranium in the soil, bedrock and water breaks down, it’s pretty much everywhere you can imagine. While most radon is harmless to us once it mixes with the air outdoors, the air indoors doesn’t dissipate or flow in the same way. As such, radon gas can seep indoors and reach dangerously high levels if left unchecked.
What are the health risks of radon exposure?
Prolonged exposure to radioactive radon gas can damage the DNA in our lungs. Today, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause in smokers. Health Canada estimates that annual radon-related deaths outnumber those of carbon monoxide poisonings, car crashes, drownings, and house fires combined.
Can I tell if my home/office has radon in it without testing?
No. Because radon gas has no taste, no smell, no colour, and no visible signs, determining the presence of radon or radon levels is virtually impossible without the right equipment.
How long does it take to test for radon? Is it a simple test?
The test itself for radon levels is very simple: our team installs a device in your home or commercial space. Traditionally, experts have recommended that winter is the best time to test for radon in North America, because our homes and offices are better sealed to keep out the cold weather. However, you can test for radon at any time of the year. Typical test periods run a minimum of 90 days, but you may be required to leave the detector in place for up to 12 months.
Where in my home/commercial space should I be testing for radon gas?
Typically, we test for radon levels in the basement or on the lowest level of any building, as these are in closer proximity to the ground and water sources that could be contaminating your space with radon.
Will different levels of my home have higher concentrations of radon levels?
While lower levels of your home will show higher levels of radon, these amounts are typically no more than 10-20% higher than levels seen on the upper floors.
How can I ensure radon doesn’t pose a health risk?
Regular testing and monitoring of your space is crucial to maintaining your health and safety. Just as you would make sure your smoke detectors and fire alarms were functioning properly, you should also regularly check your radon detector reports to watch for any concerning increases in radon levels.
DAS also works with all our clients to create a tailored mitigation or remediation plan for the future, depending on the initial radon levels.
How simple is it to mitigate the effects of radon exposure in a home or office?
Health Canada and industry experts recommend always getting a professional to help you install a radon mitigation system. The installation process is straightforward and usually takes less than a day.
Our team will be able to determine the best possible location for the mitigation system to run continuously. Once installed, this system reroutes the path of radon gas through gaps in your foundation using a series of suction, fans, and exhaust pipes to the outdoors, where it can be safely diluted with the air outside.
How much do your services cost?
DAS is able to offer free certified testing within our areas of operation, and we have several different options available for purchase in order to conduct the test yourself. Our testing products range in price from $40 for a single-use test to $250+ for a continuous radon monitor with app connectivity.
Our testing and mitigation service packages vary based on the unique size and requirements of your space as well as the levels of radon detected. Contact our team to learn more about pricing, packages, and financing options.