Property risk
Radon accumulation
Alberta records higher residential radon than the national average, and vacancy is a practical window to test.
What happens
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by uranium decay in soil and rock. It enters buildings through foundation cracks, sumps, floor drains and service penetrations, and accumulates in enclosed lower levels.
Health Canada identifies radon as the leading cause of lung cancer among people who have never smoked, and sets a guideline of 200 becquerels per cubic metre.
Concentration varies house by house — geology, construction, ventilation and pressure differentials all matter. Neighbouring properties can differ substantially, so only a measurement in the specific building means anything.
Health Canada recommends a long-term test of at least three months during the heating season, because short-term results fluctuate too much to act on.
Why vacancy makes this worse
A long-term test needs a device undisturbed for months, which suits a vacant property. The caveat is that a vacant house is heated and ventilated differently from an occupied one, and a certified professional should advise whether conditions will produce a usable result.
What a visit can observe
- None. Radon is colourless, odourless and tasteless, and cannot be detected without measurement.
Reducing the risk
- Test. It is the only way to know, and testing is inexpensive relative to what it tells you.
- Use a certified radon professional for measurement and interpretation.
- Where results exceed the guideline, mitigation by a certified professional is well-established and effective.
- Discuss with the professional whether vacancy conditions affect your test.
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