Radon Mitigation in Southern Alberta

 

When it comes to keeping your family safe within your home, many people think about locking their doors, and having working smoke detectors & carbon monoxide alarms. But there's another, less popular threat to your home that could hinder you and your families safety – radon gas. Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that can seep into your home through your foundation, and it's more dangerous than you might think. Continue reading to explore what radon is, why it's hazardous, and how you can protect yourself and your family.

 

What is Radon?

Radon is a gas that occurs naturally in the soils and rocks throughout Alberta. It comes from the decay of uranium, thorium, and radium that happens in the soil. It can seep into your home through cracks, openings and pores found within your homes foundation. It has the potential to accumulate and reach dangerous levels without being detected. 

 

Why is Radon Dangerous?

Radon emits alpha particles during its radioactive decay, and when inhaled, these particles can damage the DNA in your lung tissue. With enough exposure, it will lead to an increased risk of lung cancer. Radon is undetectable as it has no smell, taste, or color. Without testing for it, you have no way to know its even there. That is what makes it a silent treat. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer, second only to smoking. This makes it the number 1 leading cause of lung cancer in non smokers. Smokers who are exposed to radon have an even higher risk of developing lung cancer. Radon can be found in homes all over Alberta, and there is no way to know whether your home is safe without testing. We have seen homes next to each other test drastically different for radon levels.

 

Testing for Radon

Now that you are aware of the dangers that come with radon exposure, the next step is to ensure your home is radon-free. You can do this by testing your home's radon levels.

Here's how:

Radon test kits are widely available and affordable. They come in both short-term and long-term versions. Short-term tests take from a few days to a week, while long-term tests run for several months. You can purchase these kits online or at a local hardware store.

Where to Test:

Basements and crawl spaces are the most susceptible to high radon levels, however it is important to test the lowest liveable area of your home.

 

Radon Mitigation (Getting rid of Radon)

According to Health Canada, if you discover radon levels in your home over 200bq/m3, you are at risk, but don't panic. Our radon mitigation system is very effective in reducing radon concentrations to safe levels. We use a sub-slab depressurization system which is the most common method of removing radon from homes. It involves the installation of a vent pipe and exhaust fan to draw radon gas from beneath the foundation and safely expel it outside. We also recommend sealing any gaps and cracks in your foundation to prevent radon from entering your home, which we are more than capable of doing alongside your radon mitigation system installation.

 

Radon is a silent killer that can affect any home, but with proper testing and mitigation measures, you can protect yourself and your loved ones. Don't wait until it's too late. Test your home for radon, and if necessary, take action to reduce radon levels. By doing so, you'll ensure that your home is a safe and healthy place to live. Your lungs will thank you.

 

Doug Lacey's Basement System is a member of the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP). This is a certification to prove we are trained and equipped with the ability to install radon mitigation systems as safely and effectively as possible, meaning we are the perfect solution to your radon risks. 

 

Contact us today for a FREE estimate on your radon mitigation systems or if you have any further question.