Radon gas is one of the most serious and underestimated health risks in Canadian homes. It is invisible, odorless, and naturally occurring — yet it is responsible for thousands of lung cancer deaths every year in Canada, especially among non-smokers.
In this guide, we explain what radon gas is, where it is found in Canada, how to check your risk using the Canadian radon map, and most importantly how to properly test your home with a certified 90-day radon test.
What Is Radon Gas?
Radon is a radioactive gas produced by the natural decay of uranium in soil and rock. It moves upward through the ground and can enter buildings through:
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cracks in foundation walls
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sump pumps
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floor drains
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construction joints
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crawl spaces
Once inside, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels — especially in basements and ground floors.
Why Is Radon Dangerous?
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, and the first cause among non-smokers.
According to Health Canada:
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Over 3,000 lung cancer deaths per year are linked to radon exposure.
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Long-term exposure above 200 Bq/m³ significantly increases cancer risk.
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There is no safe level of radon.
Radon Gas Map of Canada
You can visualize radon risk across Canada using this interactive map:
This map shows:
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regions with high radon potential
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geological risk zones
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real-world measurement data
High-risk provinces include:
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Quebec
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Ontario
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Manitoba
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New Brunswick
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Saskatchewan
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Alberta
However, any home in Canada can have high radon levels, even in low-risk regions.
The only reliable method is testing your specific home.
How to Test for Radon in Canada (The Right Way)
The only method recommended by Health Canada is:
Long-Term Radon Test (90 to 365 days)
Why long-term testing matters:
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measures true annual average
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accounts for seasonal variations
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provides legally valid results
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required for mitigation decisions
Short-term tests are only for quick screening.
They are not reliable for real health risk.
Certified 90-Day Radon Test Kit (Canada)
If you want accurate results, you need a long-term test.
👉 Order your certified 90-day radon test here:
https://gazradonquebec.com/en-ca/products/prise-de-mesure-a-long-terme
This test kit:
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complies with Health Canada standards
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is suitable for all Canadian provinces
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provides laboratory analysis
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includes full instructions
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ships across Canada
It is the same type of test used by inspectors and professionals.
What Is a Dangerous Radon Level?
Health Canada guidelines:
| Radon Level | Action |
|---|---|
| < 100 Bq/m³ | Ideal |
| 100–200 Bq/m³ | Monitor |
| > 200 Bq/m³ | Mitigation recommended |
| > 600 Bq/m³ | Urgent mitigation |
Many Canadian homes measure between 200 and 1,000 Bq/m³ without the owners knowing.
Radon and Real Estate in Canada
Radon is increasingly required in:
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home inspections
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real estate transactions
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mortgage approvals
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insurance risk assessments
Buyers now regularly request:
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radon test reports
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mitigation proof
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post-installation verification
A 90-day test is the standard reference.
How to Reduce Radon in Your Home
If radon levels are high, solutions include:
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sub-slab depressurization (SSD)
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radon vent pipe systems
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foundation crack sealing
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crawl space membrane systems
A proper mitigation system can reduce radon by 80% to 99%.
Should You Test Your Home?
You should test if:
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you have a basement
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your home is airtight or energy efficient
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your house was built before 2000
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you live in central or eastern Canada
But in reality:
Every Canadian home should be tested at least once.
Final Recommendation
Radon gas is a silent but real health threat in Canada.
The good news: it is easy to detect and easy to fix.
Start by:
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Checking your area on the Canada radon map:
https://radonmap.com/canada -
Ordering a certified 90-day radon test:
https://gazradonquebec.com/en-ca/products/prise-de-mesure-a-long-terme -
Acting if levels exceed guidelines.