Radon – A Growing Concern In Alberta Homes
A growing concern is quietly seeping into Alberta homes—and it’s not mold, pests, or even rising energy bills.
It’s radon, a colourless, odourless radioactive gas that forms naturally from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. While invisible to the naked eye, radon has very real consequences: it’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada after smoking, and Alberta has some of the highest radon levels in the country.
Recent studies from the University of Calgary and Health Canada have found that as many as 1 in 6 Alberta homes contain radon levels above the federal safety guideline.
The risk is especially high in newer, airtight homes where improved insulation and energy efficiency can inadvertently trap radon indoors. This issue is gaining urgency as more homeowners become aware of the potential health dangers—and the need to test for and mitigate exposure.
Experts are now urging Albertans to take action by using radon test kits, which can be ordered online or through local health units. Testing is simple and inexpensive, but awareness is still low.
With winter approaching—a time when indoor radon levels tend to rise due to closed windows and reduced airflow—the message is clear: radon isn’t just a rural or old-home issue. It’s a province-wide health risk that’s increasingly impossible to ignore.
“At Lighthouse, we build high-performance, airtight homes to improve energy efficiency and comfort. However, radon is a real and present concern in Alberta, and that same airtightness can make radon a hidden risk if not properly addressed. As part of our standard builds, we rough in radon mitigation systems and always recommend testing. If radon is detected, we can assist with installing a full mitigation system,” said Chris Swabb, Founder and CEO of Lighthouse Custom Homes.
Testing your home
According to the City of Calgary, there are two options for testing a house for radon:
- Purchase a do-it-yourself radon test kit
- Hire a radon measurement professional
If you choose to purchase a do-it-yourself radon test kit, choose an accredited lab in your local area and make sure you follow the instructions provided by the lab on how to set up the test, said the City.
If you choose to hire a professional to perform the radon test, it is recommended that you ensure they are certified and will conduct a long-term test for a minimum of three months, it said.
For more information about radon testing services, purchasing a radon testing kit or finding a radon measurement professional in your area, visit www.canada.ca/radon.
New home construction and renovation
The National Building Code – Alberta edition requires a radon consideration for all new construction projects. If you are adding to the footprint of your home, this may affect your renovation, according to the City.
How can you reduce your exposure to radon?
If tests find a high level of radon, you’ll need to reduce it. There are two parts to this, according to the Alberta government:
- Preventing radon from entering the building. The most common way to do this is through sub-slab depressurization, which vents air from beneath the foundation. This work should be done by a qualified contractor. Other control methods include sealing cracks in the foundation or walls and using air cleaners.
- Venting radon out of the building. After the radon is prevented from entering the building, venting can be done to reduce the level of radon. This may include using fans, blowers, and suction devices to remove radon in the air in crawl spaces, basements, and other areas.
Health Canada recommends that you use a contractor certified by the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP). Hire a contractor with proper training in radon reduction to help with this work.
For a list of certified radon professionals in your area, you can go to www.c-nrpp.ca or call C-NRPP at 1-855-722-6777.
For general information about removing or reducing radon in your house, you can call your provincial environmental office or go to the Health Canada website at https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-risks-safety/radiation/radon.html.
Mario Toneguzzi is a veteran of the media industry for more than 40 years and named in 2021 and 2024 a Top Ten Business Journalist in the world and only Canadian. He also made the RETHINK’s global list as a Top Retail Expert 2024 and 2025.