Radon is an invisible, odourless radioactive gas that's the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada after smoking. And Ottawa sits in one of Ontario's highest-risk zones. Radon is produced by the natural decay of uranium in soil and rock. It seeps into homes through foundation cracks, gaps around pipes, sump pump openings, and any contact point between the home and the ground. Health Canada's guideline level is 200 Bq/m³ (becquerels per cubic metre) — above this, mitigation is recommended...
Radon testing is straightforward and affordable. Here are your options: **Long-Term Test (Recommended — $30–$60 DIY, $150–$300 Professional):** - Duration: 91 days minimum (Health Canada recommends testing during the heating season, October–April) - Method: Alpha track detector placed in the lowest lived-in level - Accuracy: High — provides average exposure over the test period - Available from: Canadian Lung Association, online retailers, or radon professionals - This is the gold standard for ...
If your Ottawa home tests above 200 Bq/m³, mitigation is recommended. The goal is to reduce radon levels below the guideline — most mitigation systems achieve levels of 50–100 Bq/m³. **Active Soil Depressurization (ASD) — $2,000–$5,000 (Most Common):** The most effective and widely used mitigation method. A pipe is installed through the basement floor slab, connected to a fan that continuously draws radon from beneath the foundation and vents it above the roofline. - Effectiveness: Reduces rado...
Radon is increasingly part of Ottawa's real estate conversation, and understanding how it affects buying and selling is important. **For Home Buyers:** - Request radon test results from the seller (not yet legally required, but increasingly common) - If no test exists, include a radon testing clause in your purchase agreement - Budget $2,000–$5,000 for mitigation if levels are elevated — this is a negotiation point - Don't walk away from a great home because of radon — mitigation is straightfor...
Approximately 10–15% of Ottawa homes exceed Health Canada's guideline level of 200 Bq/m³. Some areas test higher than others due to geological variation, but radon levels can vary significantly even between neighbouring homes.
DIY long-term tests cost $30–$60, short-term tests cost $20–$40. Professional testing costs $150–$300 for long-term and $200–$500 for electronic continuous monitoring.
The most common mitigation method (Active Soil Depressurization) costs $2,000–$5,000 installed. It reduces radon by 80–99% and can be installed in one day. Annual operating cost is $50–$150 for fan electricity.
Test during the heating season (October–April) when homes are sealed and radon concentrations are highest. A long-term test of at least 91 days provides the most accurate results.
Yes. New homes can have high radon levels regardless of age. The Ontario Building Code requires radon rough-ins in new homes, making mitigation easier if needed, but testing is still essential.