What Activities Trigger Radon Leaks?

Posted in Radon Testing, on October 18, 2022

Did you know that your home’s radon levels are always in flux? While the cause of radon gas (which we’ll explore more in-depth below) doesn’t change from year to year or season to season, other factors that affect your indoor air quality do, and these can change the concentration of the gas in your home and the risks you and your family face. These seasonal or situational changes are why SafeAir does radon testing over a few months and not a few weeks.

What Is Radon?

Unlike natural gas, which has a fragrance added to it, radon gas has no odour — nor is it helpful in keeping our homes warm or getting dinner on the table! Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed deep within the earth’s crust by decomposing uranium. This process occurs across Canada but, as with all natural deposits, can be more heavily concentrated in some neighbourhoods than others. 

What Activities Trigger Radon Leaks?

How radon gas gets into your home depends on a variety of factors. Radon gas is frequently found pooling in the lower levels or basements of houses because the air pressure in your home is lower than in the ground outside, and this pulls radon gas in through cracks and gaps in your foundation. 

Activities that may change the likelihood of radon gas in your home include:

• Renovations that disturb your foundation or make changes to the exterior of your home
• Installing new pipes or cables for HVAC systems
• Changes to your sump pump, well, or water system
• Installing new or updating ground floor windows and doors

What are the Health Effects of Radon?

Radon gas is a serious health concern — after tobacco smoke, it’s the leading cause of lung cancer in North America. Because it has no smell, colour, or taste, it’s impossible to detect without professional radon testing. Understanding your personal risk at home to radon gas is essential to the long-term health and safety of you and your family. 

All homes in Canada have some radon gas level, but concentration levels will vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood — even from house to house! Regardless of your home's age, construction or location, having your indoor air quality assessed for radon gas can help you lower your risk. 

How Do I Prevent Radon Gas in My Home?

Having your home tested for radon gas with SafeAir is easy! Our radon testing is a passive, long-term assessment that involves two short visits — one to install a small, unobtrusive device in your lower level, the other to remove the device. Radon tests typically take place over 3-6 months to even out any fluctuations caused by environmental factors (like weather). Once we retrieve the testing device, we send it to a laboratory for examination.  When the results are in, we help you understand what they mean and what your next steps might be. 

Whether you’re worried about radon gas, mold spores, or other indoor air quality issues in your home, the SafeAir team is here to help you breathe easier — literally. 

Contact our team to have your questions answered today.