Question 1

What is radon?

Accepted Answer

Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive gas produced naturally as uranium breaks down in soil and rock. Outdoors it disperses; indoors it can accumulate.

Question 2

Is radon common in Kingston?

Accepted Answer

A 2018–2019 regional study found that 21% of 1,047 participating KFL&A households tested above 200 Bq/m³. That shows radon is present locally, but it cannot predict the level in any individual home.

Question 3

How do I know whether my house has radon?

Accepted Answer

Test it. The age, style, location and neighbour’s result cannot reliably tell you your home’s level.

Question 4

What radon level requires action in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Canada’s guideline is 200 Bq/m³. Health Canada recommends taking action to reduce a long-term average above this level.

Question 5

How long should I test?

Accepted Answer

Health Canada recommends a long-term measurement of at least 91 days. A longer, representative average is more useful than daily or hourly spikes.

Question 6

When should I test?

Accepted Answer

Test during the heating season, when doors and windows are generally closed. Health Canada’s 2026 guide explains how much of the test should occur in that season.

Question 7

Where should I place the detector?

Accepted Answer

Use the lowest level where someone spends roughly four or more hours a day. Keep the device undisturbed, in the breathing zone and away from doors, windows, vents, electronics and high humidity, following the device instructions.

Question 8

Can a newer home have radon?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Radon can enter homes of any age. New construction may include radon-control rough-ins, but testing is still needed to know the indoor level.

Question 9

Can my neighbour’s result tell me about my house?

Accepted Answer

No. Radon levels can differ significantly between neighbouring homes because soil, foundations, air movement and building conditions vary.

Question 10

Can radon be reduced?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Health Canada says properly installed mitigation systems can reduce radon substantially in most homes.

Question 11

How does a mitigation system work?

Accepted Answer

The most common method, active sub-slab depressurization, uses a pipe and fan to draw soil gas from beneath the foundation and discharge it safely outdoors before it enters the home.

Question 12

Does sealing cracks alone fix radon?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. Sealing can support a mitigation system, but Health Canada research found it is much less effective as a stand-alone approach than active soil depressurization.

Question 13

How much does mitigation cost?

Accepted Answer

Health Canada currently gives a typical Canadian range of $2,000–$4,000. That is not a Kingston quote. Foundation type, access, routing, electrical work, crawlspaces and system complexity can change the price.

Question 14

How long does installation take?

Accepted Answer

Health Canada notes that a system can often be installed in less than a day, but timing depends on the home and work required. A provider should assess your property before promising a schedule.

Question 15

Should the house be retested after mitigation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Post-mitigation testing confirms performance. Health Canada also recommends periodic re-testing, including every five years for homes with active systems.

Question 16

Who should perform mitigation?

Accepted Answer

Health Canada recommends hiring a mitigation professional certified through the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP).

Straight answers, grounded in Canadian guidance.

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