Radon Testing in Saskatoon

Why test your home for radon?

Every home in Canada has some radon, and levels vary a lot from house to house, even between neighbours on the same street. In the Saskatoon region, Health Canada estimates about 16% of homes are above the national guideline of 200 Bq/m³. A test takes very little effort and tells you whether you need to act.

Long-term tests: the recommended option

Health Canada recommends a long-term test of at least 3 months (91 days). Radon levels rise and fall from day to day, so a longer test gives a much more reliable picture of your average exposure.

• Best time to test: fall and winter, when windows are closed and radon tends to build up indoors.
• Where to place it: in the lowest level of your home where someone spends at least 4 hours a day, such as a basement family room or bedroom.
• Cost: long-term test kits generally cost about $50 to $100, including lab analysis. In Saskatchewan, kits are available through the Lung Association of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Research Council and some hardware stores.

Short-term tests and digital monitors

Short-term tests (2 to 7 days) and home digital monitors give a quick indication, which can be helpful when buying or selling a home or after renovations. They're useful for screening, but a decision about mitigation should ideally be based on a long-term result. Consumer digital monitors typically cost about $200 to $400.

Professional radon testing

A C-NRPP certified measurement professional can place and retrieve the test, follow Health Canada's testing protocol and explain your results. Professional testing is especially useful for real estate transactions, rental properties and homes with unusual layouts.

Understanding your results

If your result is above 200 Bq/m³, the next step is radon mitigation. A certified professional can design a system for your home and retest afterwards to confirm it worked.