Radon: Reducing levels in your home

If your radon test result is above the Canadian guideline of 200 Bq/m³ you should hire a certified radon professional to determine the best and most cost effective way to reduce the radon level in your home.

Techniques to lower radon levels are effective and can save lives. A radon mitigation system can be installed in less than a day and in most homes will reduce the radon level by more than 80% for about the same cost as other common home repairs.

Health Canada recommends that the contractor be certified as a radon mitigation professional from the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP).

Hire a radon mitigation professional

The most common radon reduction method is called sub-slab depressurization. With this solution a pipe is installed through the foundation floor to an outside wall or up through to the roof line. A small fan is attached which draws the radon from below the house to the outside before it can enter your home. Increasing ventilation and sealing major entry routes can also help reduce radon levels, but their effectiveness will be limited depending on how high the radon level is and the unique characteristics of each home.

• Radon - Reduction guide for Canadians (publication)
• Radon mitigation options for existing low-rise residential buildings (publication)
• Radon control options for new construction in low-rise residential buildings (publication)