What is Radon Gas?
“Radon is a tasteless, odourless and invisible radioactive gas that results from decaying uranium,
and is a leading cause of lung cancer.”
- C-NRPP
Radon gas emanates from the ground, or water, into the air. While radon dissipates rapidly into the outdoor environment, it tends to accumulate in indoor spaces. Inhalation of radon increases the risk of developing lung cancer and is the leading cause in non-smokers. Risk increases as radon levels and duration of exposure increase.
Radon enters buildings via cracks and mechanical penetrations in areas where a building is in contact with the ground resulting in the majority of buildings, having the potential for elevated indoor radon concentrations.
*Radon levels in buildings with a well water supply may be impacted by radon in water.
Radon Measurement
The only way to know if radon gas is an issue in your home or building is by testing.
Health Canada recommends a long-term test (91-days+) to confirm average annual radon concentrations in air and determine the need to mitigate or not. Well water, another potential source of radon, can also be tested to determine the need for further action.
Buildings found to have elevated levels of radon (>200Bq/m3 - Health Canada | >100Bq/m3 - WHO) can be mitigated, following industry accepted practices and protocols.
Our Radon Measurement Services Include:
On-site and remote support;
Provision, deployment and retrieval of long/short-term test kits;
Electronic continuous radon monitoring;
Interpretation of radon measurement results; and
Reporting and more.
If you're wondering about radon levels in your neighbourhood, check out this handy radon map developed by the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP).
Radon Mitigation
613Environmental provides custom radon mitigation solutions, using high quality materials with guaranteed results for all building types.
Along with input from the Client, 613Environmental will design, test viability-of and install a radon mitigation system with post-installation radon measurement results often well below recommended limits.
Radon In-Air:
The most effective and most commonly commissioned method of radon reduction by certified professionals is via installation of a sub-slab (or active-soil) depressurization system. In a nutshell, a 3-4" PVC pipe is inserted vertically through the basement or main-floor floor slab and subsequently plumbed/vented through an exterior wall, usually the basement rim-joist. A radon-specific fan is attached in-line with the piping. Once activated the fan will continuously pull radon-laden air from below the building thus limiting its ability to enter into the occupied space and therefore reducing the risk to occupants.
To design a mitigation system that is appropriately sized for the area to be served, pre-installation testing, or communication testing, is necessary. This confirms the entire footprint of the area of concern is covered and that the fan and piping is appropriately sized to effectively reduce radon concentrations, while working with and not against existing HVAC equipment.
Building construction and history of renovations will dictate the most effective mitigation approach. There may be need for more than a single 'suction-point', sealing of through-slab or foundation cracks/gaps/mechanical penetrations, installation of soil gas inhibiting membranes, installation of an HRV/ERV and/or a combination of methods.
Radon In-Water:
613Environmental is a distributor and installer of the AirWell system by Radon Environmental for the Province of Ontario.
'Airwell is a new technology mitigation system for radon in well water. It is the only system on the marketplace that mitigates the radon outside the home in the well. It reduces radon levels by 92-99%. It is a virtually maintenance-free, low voltage system that saves energy and space while protecting the homeowner.'
To-date, 613Environmental has successfully mitigated HUNDREDS of buildings, protecting countless lives from the hazards of radon gas.
613Environmental provides FREE site-specific estimates.
Contact us to find out how we can help!
Radon Related Links:
Radon Gas in Canada
Health Canada Guide for Radon Measurement in Residential Dwellings (Homes)
Health Canada Guide for Radon Measurement in Public Buildings
A Homeowners Guide to Radon - The Canadian Real Estate Association