Invisible, Odourless, and Dangerous
Radon isn't something most people think about when buying a home, yet it's one of the most serious hidden risks indoors. It's a radioactive gas that seeps through small cracks and openings in foundations. You can't see or smell it, but it's the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada.
The only way to know your home's radon level is to test it. Even houses built side by side can have completely different readings.
How Testing Works
Testing takes between 48 and 72 hours using continuous electronic monitors placed on the lowest level of the home where people live. The home stays closed for 12 hours before and during the test, which helps get a reliable reading.
During each test, we measure:
- Hour-by-hour radon levels in Bq/m³
- Overall averages compared to the Health Canada guideline of 200 Bq/m³
- Conditions that could affect readings, like ventilation or foundation type
- Any unusual spikes during the test window
You'll receive a detailed report within 24 hours after the test concludes, including clear results and practical steps if the levels exceed 200 Bq/m³.
A Real Example
I once tested a modern home with no signs of issues — clean basement, new construction, well-sealed windows. The results came back at 280 Bq/m³. The buyers installed a basic mitigation system, and the follow-up reading dropped to 40. Problems like this are easy to fix once you know they exist.
Testing Options & Pricing
Choose the testing method that fits your timeline
48-Hour Continuous Monitor
Ideal for real estate transactions
- Professional continuous radon monitor
- Hour-by-hour readings for 48-72 hours
- Tamper-proof sealed device
- Results within 24 hours of test completion
- Meets Health Canada guidelines
- Detailed report with recommendations
Add-On Price: +$150 when added to a base inspection
Total with Base: $675
90-Day Long-Term Test
Most accurate for current homeowners
- Alpha track detector kit
- 90-day exposure period
- Certified laboratory analysis
- Most accurate long-term average
- Health Canada recommended method
- Results report with recommendations
Not suitable for real estate transactions due to 90-day timeline. Best for homeowners wanting accurate long-term readings.
Health Canada recommends testing for at least 3 months during the heating season for the most accurate results. For real estate purposes, the 48-hour test provides reliable results within transaction timelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Health Canada's guideline level is 200 Bq/m³. If your test results are at or above this level, it's recommended to take action to reduce radon levels. The lower the radon level in your home, the lower the risk. Even levels below 200 Bq/m³ carry some risk, so reducing radon as much as possible is always beneficial.
If you're buying or selling a home and need results quickly, the 48-hour continuous monitor test is the right choice. It provides reliable results within real estate transaction timelines. If you already own your home and want the most accurate long-term average, the 90-day test is recommended by Health Canada as it captures seasonal variations in radon levels.
High radon levels are fixable. A radon mitigation system (typically a sub-slab depressurization system) can reduce levels by up to 90% or more. These systems are relatively simple to install, cost between $1,500-$3,000, and run quietly in the background. I can recommend certified radon mitigation professionals in the area if needed.
Yes, New Brunswick is considered a higher-risk area for radon. The geology of our region, with its granite bedrock, can produce elevated radon levels. However, radon levels can vary dramatically even between neighbouring homes, which is why testing is the only way to know your specific risk. Every home should be tested regardless of age or construction type.