What Is Radon?

Radon In Kelowna

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is formed by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. It cannot be detected by the senses; you cannot see it, smell it, or taste it. Long term exposure to high levels can result in health problems. Radon is the #2 cause of lung cancer in Canada.

Homes throughout the Okanagan can have higher than average levels of radon present, although each home tests differently due to construction styles and other variables. The only way to be sure is to have a C-NRPP professional test your home.

Why Hire A Professional?

Pricing

In order to get the most accurate radon test results, it is recommended to have a test done by a C-NRPP (Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program) professional with a calibrated professional testing device to reduce the possibility of false positives or false negatives, as there are many variables to consider in testing for radon. Having a test done by a C-NRPP professional is also a requirement to qualify for mitigation rebates. Property disclosure statements in real estate transactions are also now asking if the home has been tested for radon and for records of those levels.

Measurement duration:

Real Estate Transaction Test - 4 days min. = $299.95 ($249.95 with a home inspection)
Short Term Radon Test– 2 days min. = $299.95
Long Term Radon Test – 90 days or longer = $199.95

Short term radon tests (2-4 days) are done with a top of the line, annually calibrated C-NRPP approved professional continuous radon monitor that provides a report with an hourly breakdown of radon levels.

Long term tests are done with an alpha track detector that measures the average radon levels over 3+ months with results provided by a third party lab.

Schedule Radon Test!

How Does Radon Enter The Home?

Radon can enter a home any place it finds an opening where the house
contacts the soil: cracks in foundation walls and in floor slabs, construction joints, gaps around service pipes, support posts, window wells, floor drains, sumps or cavities inside walls. While usually less of a concern, dissolved radon outgassing from water is another potential source of radon in air for homes with groundwater wells.

Dangers Of Radon

Radon exposure is the #2 cause of lung cancer in Canada
16% of lung cancers are estimated to be from radon exposure.
More than 3,000 lung cancer deaths in Canada each year due to radon.
Smokers are 6 times more likely to develop lung cancer due to radon.
50% increase of lung cancer risk at 148 Bq/m3 after 15 years of exposure

*Statistics according to Health Canada