How to Test Your Home for Radon Effectively

Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive gas that can enter homes through cracks in the foundation, construction joints, sump pits, or gaps around service penetrations. According to Health Canada, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and the leading cause among non-smokers. Because radon cannot be seen or smelled, testing your home is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk.

Radon test kit ready for use in a home

Why Testing for Radon Matters

Manitoba has some of the highest radon levels in Canada, and the Westman region—including Brandon and surrounding communities—has many areas with elevated radon potential. Factors such as local soil conditions, building practices, and long winters that keep homes sealed tight can all contribute to higher indoor radon levels. This means any home in the region can have a radon problem, regardless of age, size, or construction type.

Health Canada estimates that approximately 1 in 5 Canadian homes may have elevated radon levels, and testing in Manitoba often shows results above national guidelines. Since long-term radon exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer, testing is an important step in protecting your family’s health.

When to Test Your Home for Radon

You should strongly consider radon testing if you:

• Live anywhere in Manitoba or the Westman region

• Have a basement or crawl space (even if it is finished)

• Are buying or selling a home

• Have never tested before, or it has been several years since your last test

• Have recently completed renovations affecting the foundation, insulation, or ventilation

Testing is most accurate during the colder months when windows and doors are closed, trapping radon inside. However, you can test any time of year if you follow the instructions carefully.

Choosing the Right Radon Test Kit

There are two main types of radon test kits:

Short-Term Test Kits

• Measure radon levels for 2 to 7 days.

• Provide quick results.

• Ideal for initial screening.

• Available as charcoal canisters, electret ion chambers, or continuous monitors.

  
  

Long-Term Test Kits

• Measure radon levels for 90 days to 1 year.

• Provide a more accurate average radon level.

• Recommended if you want a detailed understanding of radon exposure over time.

  
  

For most homeowners, starting with a short-term test is practical. If results show elevated radon levels (4 picocuries per liter or higher), follow up with a long-term test or hire a professional for further assessment.

How to Test for Radon

Health Canada recommends a long-term radon test (90 days or longer) for the most accurate results, ideally conducted during the heating season when windows and doors are typically closed. Short-term tests can be useful for screening or real estate transactions, but long-term testing provides a clearer picture of year-round exposure.

If your test shows elevated radon levels, a certified radon professional can confirm the results and recommend appropriate mitigation options.

Interpreting Your Results

In Canada, radon levels are measured in becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m³). Health Canada recommends taking corrective action if radon levels are 200 Bq/m³ or higher. Even levels below this guideline can often be reduced, and many homeowners in the Westman area choose to mitigate radon further for added peace of mind.

What to Do If Your Radon Levels Are High

If your test shows elevated radon levels, you have options to reduce exposure:

• Improve Ventilation

Increase airflow in your home by opening windows and using fans, especially in basements.

• Seal Cracks and Openings

Use caulk or sealant to close foundation cracks and gaps around pipes.

• Install a Radon Mitigation System

A professional can install a system that vents radon gas from beneath your home to the outside, preventing it from entering living spaces. This is the most effective long-term solution.

• Retest After Mitigation

Always retest your home after mitigation to confirm radon levels have dropped.

Hiring a Professional for Radon Testing and Mitigation

While DIY test kits are reliable for initial screening, professionals offer:

• Certified Testing

They use advanced equipment and follow strict protocols for accurate results.

• Detailed Assessment

Professionals can identify radon entry points and recommend tailored solutions.

• Mitigation Installation

Licensed contractors install systems that meet safety standards.

Look for certified radon professionals through organizations like CNRPP (Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program).

Additional Tips for Radon Safety

• Test every home you live in, including rentals.

• Test after major renovations or foundation repairs.

• Consider radon-resistant construction techniques if building a new home.

• Educate family members about radon risks and safety measures.

  
  
  
  

Testing your home for radon is a simple but vital step to protect your family’s health. By choosing the right test, following instructions carefully, and acting on results, you can reduce radon exposure and lower the risk of lung cancer. Start with a test kit today and take control of your home’s air quality.

If you find elevated radon levels, don’t delay in seeking professional help. Your home should be a safe place, and testing is the first step to ensuring it stays that way.