Frequently asked questions

To get the most accurate results, your Radon test should be placed on the lowest level of your home that is regularly lived in, such as a basement or any space where people spend at least four hours each day. If your basement is unfinished and not used, placing the device on the main floor is perfectly acceptable. Avoid areas with unusual airflow, including kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, near open windows or exterior doors, and storage spaces that are rarely occupied. For proper placement, position the device between 0.8 m and 2 m (3–6.5 feet) above the floor, at least 50 cm (20 inches) below the ceiling, and 20 cm (8 inches) away from nearby objects to allow for normal air movement. Ideally, place it near an interior wall, about 40 cm (16 inches) away, or at least 50 cm (20 inches) from an exterior wall. Depending on the type of device, you may need to hang or suspend it to ensure proper airflow around the detector. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW3IYXq5ABE

Yes. Radon-related health risks build up slowly over time. The danger comes from long-term exposure to elevated Radon levels, which can significantly increase the likelihood of developing lung cancer due to DNA damage. Even if you’ve lived in the same home your entire life without any noticeable signs or symptoms, Radon can still be present at harmful levels. Because Radon is completely undetectable without testing, it’s always wise to test proactively—long before a health issue ever arises—so you never face a preventable illness.

There is no truly safe level of Radon, as any amount of exposure carries some level of risk. Health Canada recommends taking action at 200 Bq/m³, but even levels below that can still contribute to long-term health issues. In fact, for every 100 Bq/m³ increase in Radon, the risk of lung cancer rises by approximately 16%. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal comfort level and how much risk you’re willing to accept.

Not necessarily. In fact, studies have shown that newer homes often have higher Radon levels than older ones. Modern construction focuses on energy efficiency, which means homes are built to be much more airtight—allowing Radon to accumulate more easily. Larger foundation footprints and variations in construction materials can also contribute to increased Radon levels in newer builds throughout the Okanagan. So, even a brand-new home is not guaranteed to have low Radon levels.

There are several methods available to measure Radon levels in your home, and the best option depends on how quickly you need results. The most accurate and widely recommended approach is a long-term Radon test, using an alpha track detector. This small passive device is placed on the lowest lived-in level of your home for a minimum of 90 days up to one year, providing a reliable long-term average once it’s analyzed by a certified laboratory. If you prefer faster insights, many homeowners choose a digital Radon monitor, which can provide preliminary readings within 24 hours and continue gathering data over time. These devices don’t require lab analysis and can be reset for ongoing monitoring. For real estate transactions or situations where a shorter testing period is needed, a 96-hour test using a professional-grade continuous monitor can be completed. While this does not replace long-term testing, it helps determine the likelihood of elevated Radon levels and can support negotiations if mitigation may be needed during the heating season.

Passive Radon tests do not require electricity. These devices collect Radon or alpha particle traces over time, which are later analyzed by a certified laboratory. The most commonly used passive option in Canada is the alpha track detector, which comes as a small kit that includes lab analysis. It should be placed on the lowest lived-in level of your home for at least 90 days, after which it’s mailed to the lab, and results are sent back within a few weeks. Digital (or active) Radon monitors, on the other hand, use built-in sensors to measure Radon levels in real time. Homeowners often prefer these devices because they provide quick readings, do not require shipping or lab fees, and can track long-term averages. They can also be reset and reused, making them convenient for continuous monitoring or for sharing with family and friends.

Summer testing often doesn’t provide a true picture of your home’s Radon levels. During warmer months, homes in the Okanagan typically have more airflow from open windows and doors, which can allow Radon to escape and lead to lower readings. In the winter, however, homes are sealed up and the stack effect pulls Radon inside more strongly, while reduced ventilation allows it to accumulate. Because of this, the heating season offers the most reliable conditions for testing and gives the most accurate indication of your home’s average Radon exposure.

Yes, absolutely. Homeowners can easily perform their own Radon testing as long as they choose a C-NRPP-approved device and use a kit that includes professional lab analysis. It’s important to check that your test kit is not expired and has been stored correctly to ensure accurate results. If you prefer a digital monitor, make sure it’s from a reputable source — several models sold online have been recalled in recent years. For safety, always refer to the latest updates from Health Canada before purchasing a device.

Health Canada advises homeowners to test for Radon every two years, even if a mitigation system has already been installed. Regular testing helps ensure your system continues to operate effectively over time. You should also retest if you’ve completed major renovations, foundation work, or added new sections to your home, as these changes can alter how Radon enters the building. Digital monitors are especially convenient in these situations, as they can be reset and used repeatedly for ongoing peace of mind.

After your Radon test kit has been in place for the required minimum of 90 days—ideally with part of that time falling between October and April to capture winter readings—you can send it back to the laboratory for analysis. Our Kelowna branch uses Radonova Labs for processing. Each kit includes a pre-addressed (but not prepaid) return envelope. We recommend using a shipping option with tracking, as the lab receives a high volume of test kits during peak seasons, and tracking ensures your sample arrives safely. If your original return envelope is misplaced, simply seal the detector in a zip-top bag, place it in a regular mailing envelope, and send it to: Radonova Inc. 1 East 22nd Street, Suite 200 Lombard, IL 60148 USA If you need help at any point after mailing your kit, Radonova’s customer service team is available to assist you.