What is radon gas?

There are several ways to test for radon. Health Canada recommends detecting the presence of radon in a building using a dosimeter. This device should be placed in a room where you spend more than four hours a day, for 91 days. Then the dosimeter must be returned to the laboratory for analysis.

Learn more about radon gas detection here.

No, radon gas does not smell. It is also invisible and inert. Only a test (with the installation of a dosimeter, among others) can reveal its presence. Humans cannot detect it.

Radon gas can be found anywhere on our planet. It can therefore be present in Quebec as well. Certain risk areas have been targeted by Health Canada. Its concentration also depends on several other factors than just geographic location.

Since concentrations vary from house to house, the only way to measure the amount of radon in your house is to do a radon-test.

Exposure to radon can increase your risk of lung cancer. However, it does not cause symptoms, unlike smoking. 

The risk of lung cancer increases with the concentration of radon gas, as does the duration. The risk of cancer also increases for smokers exposed to radon, compared to non-smokers.

Did you know that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking? Long-term exposure to radon gas increases this risk.

When radon enters the lungs, it is broken down into radioactive particles. These particles emit small bursts of energy. Energy is absorbed by lung tissue. This damages the cells in the lungs. Damaged lung cells can cause cancer when they reproduce.

Radon cannot be eliminated completely, which is why we call mitigation the action taken to reduce the level of radon in buildings.

There are various solutions to achieve radon gas mitigation.

Find out more about radon mitigation measures.

Since radon gas is odorless, invisible and inert, the only way to detect it is to take a test. Health Canada recommends installing a dosimeter.

The results should then be analyzed in the laboratory. Our experts can suggest various radon mitigation measures depending on the results and according to your needs.

The method recommended by HealthCanada to test for radon is to place a dosimeter in your building for 91 days. You can order online your dosimeter here. Radon Evolution also offers the rapid test service with a continuous reader, lasting 7 days. Contact us for more details. 

A dosimeteter costs $39, including the dosimeter, instructions, laboratory analysis and return envelope.

The radon concentration is measured in Bq/m3. To measure the amount of radon in a house, you have to install a dosimeter for a period of 91 days, in a room where you spend more than four hours a day. A quick test can also be installed by our experts. To learn more about radon testing, click here.

The radon concentration can be measured using several solutions, including the dosimeter recommended by Health Canada. Radon Evolution also offers a rapid 7-day continous reader test. Visit our online store to order a dosimeter.