Calgary home inspection: Safe radon levels

Radon is a radioactive gas that begins to formate when radium, uranium, or thorium–all radioactive metals–breaks down within groundwater, rocks, or soil. Anyone can be exposed to radon as it can be breathed in when it permeates through gaps in the home. Because we can be exposed to low levels of radon in the air, its typical concentration is minimal enough that there is no need for concern. When radon enters a more enclosed area, like any home, levels of concern should rise as your radon intake also begins to rise. This should churn out a fundamental and persistent question: what is a safe radon level? 

Let’s examine what is deemed a safe level of radon in the home and when you should contact Calgary home inspection to secure and protect your household. 

The threat of radon

Results of a Health Canada survey determined that as many as 7% of Canadian households are exposed to radon levels that are above the current guidelines, with the additional conclusion that no Canadian areas are rendered completely radon free. The frequency of Canadian homes that are exposed to high levels of radon is concerning as radon is known for its ability to erode health without households even knowing. Radon has no distinct smell and is invisible to the naked eye, so Canadian families can be exposed to it without even knowing. Long-term exposure can result in a greater risk of lung cancer, which can only be further accelerated if you are a smoker or burn wood and coal within your home. 

Safe and dangerous levels of radon 

The Canadian guideline states that no indoor area should exceed 200 becquerels per cubic square (or 200 Bq/m3). If an indoor area is above this recommended level, you should take action as soon as possible and schedule a home inspection. Upon taking action to combat the exposure in your home, radon levels should be minimized as low as possible. Health Canada further recommends getting your radon levels tested annually in your resident dwelling to ensure it is at a safe level to avoid the risk of developing an illness. 

Why you could have elevated levels 

High radon levels can crop up due to some problems with a home’s structure. A lot of radon gas is found within the soil, so if your home has a crawl space that consists of mounds of dirt, you could potentially be exposed to maximum levels of radon. Further, radon can permeate the home through the cracks in the home foundation and walls. If holes are created in the foundation for pipes and utility lines, this can lead to high levels of radon seeping into the home. These structural issues that can cause radon to get into the house should be repaired to reduce your risk of exposure. 

Conclusion

Radon is one of the leading causes of lung cancer, right below cigarette smoking, showcasing that exposure to this radioactive gas can be incredibly hazardous to anyone’s health. To reduce your risk of high-level exposure in your own home, get your home tested by Calgary home inspection professionals, where devices can be used to test the current levels in your home. 

Integra Inspection Services is the leading provider of home inspection services throughout Calgary. Our commitment to our clients is evident by our honest and thorough Calgary home inspections. Our service is available for residential buildings, including homes, townhouses, and condos. Whether you are a buyer, seller, or a realtor, we conduct complete home inspections to determine if your property has any structural flaws and to prevent future costly repairs. Our Calgary home inspections include infrared thermal imagine on every inspection for an accurate, detailed inspection. For all of your home inspection or commercial property assessment needs, we can help. Schedule your inspection with Integra Inspection Services.

Have you done radon testing recently? If not, you should contact a home inspector in Calgary who can help you perform the test. They own the expensive equipment and charge a flat rate for the test. It is convenient, accessible and affordable. 

 

The cost associated with Calgary home inspectors who do radon testing varies depending on several different factors. These factors include experience, the company performing the work and the results of the test, among others. Let’s take a look at these factors and see how they influence the cost.

 

Calgary Home Inspector Cost Factors

 

Experience

The experience of the professionals you work with is also important. Using long-term trackers means that you can get reliable information about the current radon levels in your home. This process takes between three and twelve months. 

 

Senior Black Man Construction Manager Inspection

Home Inspection Company

The home inspection company in Calgary you choose to complete the radon testing will influence the cost. Though there is a general price range associated with the service, some companies will be more or less costly.

 

The Results

The reality of radon testing is that it is an important part of regular home maintenance. With the help of a Calgary home inspector, most people find nothing out of the ordinary and can breathe a sigh of relief. For those who do find high levels of radon, however, it is a different story. They will have to pay to remove the radon, which is relatively simple but does influence the cost.

The Cost of Radon Testing in Calgary

Our Calgary home inspectors say the cost of radon testing is $65 including delivery. This is a great deal as you don’t have to purchase the equipment outright and you get an experienced eye checking the results. Get started by contacting Integra Inspections today!

 

Integra Inspections is a Home Inspection Company in Calgary that provides unbeatable service for home inspections. With over 15 years of experience and the latest technologies such as thermal imaging, you can count on Integra Home Inspections to get you the facts and have you ready for your next home!

It seems like there is always another risk to humans on the horizon. As we regulate personal transportation emissions, we discover trapped greenhouse gases in our soil. We switch to paper or plastic-less parcels and find straws as the seventh most common item on beaches. It feels like our very existence is at constant risk.


But what else is new? Humans have always had to fight, band together and innovate to grow and fend off our wildest predators and most dangerous environments. Comparatively speaking, standing a couple of extra feet away from the microwave (when in use) seems less invasive than keeping a well-lit fire to stave off wolves at the light’s edge. Still, though, caution must be observed.


Calgary home inspection is just one of the ways our society maintains its diligence and ensures our dwellings are safe for residency. However, only so much can be done at a home inspection, and living in the house will present different challenges as time goes on. One of these challenges is Radon, and we look at this dangerous gas in detail below.

The Basics of Radon

What is Radon?

Radon is “a radioactive gas that occurs naturally when the uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It is invisible, odourless and tasteless.” This information comes from the Government of Canada, who further explains that the process of diffusion removes the danger of Radon from our natural environment. Inside our homes, though, this gas may cause long-term problems to our health.


Radon Monitoring System in House Basement


In particular, the government publication continues to state that Radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. It gets into our home through fractured bedrock, groundwater evaporation and small openings in the structure of our buildings. So, how do we protect against this unseen danger?

How Calgary Home Inspection Identifies Radon 

While every Canadian home will have some amount of Radon present at all times, the most effective way to ensure it is not hazardous is to test the area. The Canadian Government sets out a guideline for amounts not exceeding 200 Becquerels per cubic metre (200 Bq/m3), which can be tested with either a do-it-yourself kit or with the help of a radon measurement professional. 


For more information on Calgary home inspections or to learn where you can meet a radon measurement professional, contact us today! We look forward to hearing from you.


Integra Inspections is a Home Inspection Company in Calgary that provides unbeatable service for home inspections. With over 15 years of experience and the latest technologies such as thermal imaging, you can count on Integra Home Inspections to get you the facts and have you ready for your next home!

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is colorless and odorless; it can seep into your home undetected and is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Keep your family safe by testing for radon in your home.

What is Radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas that is the result of the natural breakdown of uranium minerals underground. Outdoors, radon is diffused in the air and does not create a threat. Indoors, however, radon can enter undetected and build up to unsafe levels because it can’t be smelled, seen, or tasted.

Continue reading “Create a Safe Living Environment for Your Family with Radon Testing”