Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It’s invisible and odourless, so the only way to know if it’s a problem in your home is to test for it. Long-term exposure is linked to lung cancer, which is why mitigation matters.
Here’s how to reduce or prevent radon buildup:
Test your home first
Start with a radon test kit (short-term or long-term). In Canada, Health Canada recommends testing, especially in basements and ground-level living spaces.Seal entry points
Radon enters through cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, sump pits, and floor drains. Sealing these won’t eliminate radon entirely, but it helps reduce how much gets in.Improve ventilation
Increasing airflow in lower levels of your home (like basements) can dilute radon concentrations. This can be as simple as better air circulation or as advanced as installing a heat recovery ventilator (HRV).Install a radon mitigation system
The most effective solution is usually a sub-slab depressurization system. This involves:
A pipe inserted through the foundation
A fan that pulls radon from beneath the house
Venting it safely outside above the roofline
Maintain proper air pressure
Avoid creating negative pressure in your home (for example, with powerful exhaust fans) that can draw radon indoors.Build radon-resistant (for new homes)
If you’re building, include features like gas-permeable layers, plastic sheeting, sealing, and vent pipes to prevent radon entry from the start.