With the National Building Code (NBC) due to be updated in 2025 , indoor air quality issues, including the presence of radon, are increasingly important. Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is a major cause of lung cancer, and its inclusion in the new building standards marks a crucial step in the fight for safer, healthier homes.
In this article, we look at what this revision means for owners, builders and the construction industry as a whole.
What is the National Building Code?
The National Building Code is a set of rules and guidelines that establish minimum standards for construction in Canada. Revised periodically, it ensures that buildings meet safety, energy efficiency and public health requirements.
The 2025 version will introduce strengthened measures for radon management, based on recommendations from public health and environmental experts.
What will be new in the 2025 Code regarding radon?
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Mandatory installation of radon barrier membranes
Each new home will have to integrate a radon barrier under the concrete slab. This membrane will limit the infiltration of gas from the ground. -
Preventive mitigation systems
The 2025 NBC will require the installation of passive mitigation pipes in all new residential construction. These pipes can be activated (vented) if high radon levels are detected after construction. -
Improving sealing practices
Openings in slabs, foundations and around conduits will need to be better sealed to minimise infiltration. -
Strengthened regional requirements
In areas identified as high radon risk, additional measures may be required, such as active systems from construction. -
Recommended post-construction testing
Although not mandatory, radon tests will be encouraged in the first years after construction to validate the effectiveness of the measures put in place.
Why are these changes important?
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Protecting public health
Approximately 16% of lung cancer deaths in Canada are attributed to radon. These new requirements could significantly reduce dangerous exposures. -
Reduce future costs
Installing prevention measures during construction is much less expensive than adding mitigation systems after the fact. -
Standardize practices
With the integration of radon standards into the Code, all new construction will meet a minimum safety standard, regardless of the individual awareness of builders.
Impacts for builders and owners
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Builders: They will have to comply with the new standards, which will involve adapting practices and slightly increasing construction costs. However, these measures will strengthen their credibility and commitment to safe homes.
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Homeowners: New buyers will enjoy added peace of mind knowing that their home is designed to limit radon risks.
Get ready for 2025
As the 2025 National Building Code looms, it is critical for builders and building professionals to be informed and prepared. Implementing these standards will be a step toward a safer and healthier environment for all Canadians.
If you are a homeowner or planning new construction, talk to your contractor or building inspector now to make sure radon measures are included in your project. Your home's future starts today, and it needs to be safe.