Radon Gas Mitigation

Radon is a gas formed by the breakdown of uranium, a natural radioactive material found in all soil and rock.  You can't see it, smell it or taste it.  

Radon gas can enter your home through cracks and holes in the floors and foundation.  Outside, the gas mixes with the air and is not harmful. But radon can reach dangerous levels inside an enclosed space, like your home.

Please visit Health Canada for more detailed information: Radon Reduction Guide For Canadians

Radon is the #1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. The longer you are exposed to high radon levels, the higher your risk.

Please visit Health Canada for important information on Radon Testing Your Home. Questions? Please contact Health Canada at 1-833-723-6600.

Most homes have some radon gas. Even homes next to each other can have different radon levels. The only way to know how much is in your home is to measure it. Radon levels can change throughout the day, so it’s best to measure for at least 3 months over the winter season.  There are two ways to test for radon:

There are two options for testing a house for radon:

1. Purchase a do-it-yourself radon test kit
2. Hire a certified radon measurement professional to perform the test in your home

If the radon level is higher than the Canadian guideline of 200 Becquerels per meter cubed (Bq/m³), fix your home. Radon levels in most homes can be reduced by about 80% for the same cost as repairing or replacing things such as your furnace or air conditioner.

Choose a certified radon mitigation professional. Learn how to find a certified contractor in the Radon Reduction Guide.

All dwelling Units and Buildings containing residential occupancies shall be provided with the rough-in for a radon extraction system conforming to Article 9.13.4.3 of the Ontario Building Code.

The builder is required to implement one of the following three radon gas mitigation methods:

Option 1: Soil Gas Barrier System

• 6 mil polyethylene under concrete floor
• Perimeter of concrete slab and all penetrations through the slab shall be sealed
• Minimum 100mm (4”) pipe installed at or near center of floor area
• Increase amount of granular under the floor at pipe inlet location
• Pipe to extend above floor with removable seal pipe must be clearly labelled for removal of soil gas

Option 2: Subfloor Depressurization, (Full installation)

• Minimum 100mm (4”) pipe installed at or near center of floor area
• Increase amount of granular under the floor at pipe inlet location
• Pipe extended to exterior of the building
• System must include an in-line fan

New homes in Ontario come with a warranty that is provided by the builder and backed by Tarion. The warranty covers radon gas levels exceeding 200 Bq/m³ in new homes for seven years from the date of occupancy.

• Health Canada Radon Reduction Guide for Canadians
• Health Canada - Radon Testing Your Home
• Lung Association of Canada - Radon
• Ontario Building Code: O. Reg. 332/12: Building Code
• Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program
• Tarion