Radon Testing and How to Protect Yourself | Shannon Simpson, Experienced Realtor®️ in Penticton, BC

Radon Testing – Why it’s Important and How to Protect Yourself

Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that can be found in any home. In fact, one out of every fifteen homes in Canada have elevated levels of radon that comes into the building from the ground below the foundation. It’s important to know if your house has high levels of radon because radon can cause serious health problems. The good news is that testing for radon is easy and affordable. We are often asked by homeowners in the South Okanagan, should I test and consider this when selling or buying a home? Here’s what you need to know about radon testing and how to protect yourself.

What is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It enters homes through cracks or openings in floors and walls, or through well water. Most homes built from 2015 on must have a radon mitigation system – this is part of the BC building code – but older buildings may not have these systems installed.

Click HERE for a downloadable .pdf for more details on the changes to the code from the BC government’s Building and Safety Standards Branch.

Testing for Radon

The best way to know if your home has high levels of radon is to test for it. You can hire a certified radon measurement professional or choose a radon test kit that’s been approved by Health Canada such as the Corentium Home Radon Test Kit by Airthings (which we highly recommend). These home test kits are typically placed around eye height on furniture in a lower floor bedroom. They then measure the average concentration of radon gas over time (90 days). The reading is stored in the device and more accurate than shorter-term tests which may not provide enough data on your home’s true average level of exposure to this hazardous gas. After using the test kit, you simply mail it back to the lab for analysis and you will receive your results within 10 business days!

Map of Radon Gas Across BC

Purchase a Radon Kit Online Here

How To Reduce Your Risk

If your home’s radon level exceeds 200 Bq/m3 (the maximum acceptable level), there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk including sealing cracks and openings in floors and walls; installing fans; constructing barrier membranes; or installing ventilation pipes. It’s recommended to hire a contractor experienced with radon remediation techniques. While these procedures may seem daunting at first, they are necessary steps towards protecting your health from dangerous levels of radiation exposure from this harmful gas.

Radiation exposure from high levels of indoor air pollution caused by radon can cause serious health problems so it’s important that homeowners understand the importance of testing their home for this hazardous gas. Testing for radon is easy and affordable – simply hire a certified professional or purchase a long-term test kit approved by Health Canada.

In Summary:

  • Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that can be found in all homes and one out of every fifteen homes in Canada has elevated levels of radon.
  • Testing for radon is easy and affordable – either hire a certified professional or purchase a long-term test kit approved by Health Canada.
  • If your home’s radon level exceeds 200 Bq/m3 (the maximum acceptable level), there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk including sealing cracks and openings in floors and walls; installing fans; constructing barrier membranes; installing ventilation pipes; or hiring a contractor experienced with remediation techniques.
 

Talk With Shannon About Radon

If you are considering selling your home in 2023, or purchasing a new home in the South Okanagan, please give me a call with any questions you might have about radon. We can also discuss the steps required for you to test the current radon gas levels in your home. Note: I completed my radon testing (91 day test) in my Penticton home recently. I look forward to working with you on any real estate needs you have this year!

CONTACT SHANNON SIMPSON