- November 13, 2024
- Posted by: Chris Croft
- Categories: News, Radon Testing
When it comes to radon, many people believe it’s only a concern for basements. While radon levels are often highest in the basement, this naturally occurring radioactive gas can move through an entire building, affecting all floors. In this post, you’ll learn why radon isn’t just a basement problem, how it spreads, and why testing multiple levels of your home is essential, especially in areas like Windsor-Essex County and Chatham-Kent.
What is Radon and Where Does it Come From?
Radon is an invisible, odorless gas produced from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It enters buildings through small openings, such as cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, and other structural openings. Since basements and lower levels are closest to the soil, radon is most concentrated here. However, radon can migrate to upper levels, spreading throughout the structure.
How Radon Moves Through a Building
Radon moves in buildings due to natural air pressure differences and airflow patterns, which can bring radon from the basement to higher floors. It is found in bedrock, soil and groundwater. Radon can seep into the home through:
- The Stack Effect: During colder months, warm indoor air rises and exits through the upper levels, creating a vacuum effect that pulls air (and radon) from lower to upper floors. This stack effect can carry radon up from the basement and into the rest of the building.
- HVAC Systems and Air Circulation: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can distribute radon throughout the home. HVAC ducts, especially those shared between floors, can act as pathways for radon, moving it away from the basement to other areas.
- Building Materials and Construction Style: Buildings with tight seals or multi-level designs can retain radon on all floors. Even homes without basements can have elevated radon levels if radon gas enters through the foundation or slab.
Why Testing All Levels is Important
Since radon can spread from the basement, it’s crucial to test multiple levels of your home for an accurate assessment. Health Canada and other public health organizations recommend testing the lowest level where people spend significant time. Testing both the basement and living spaces helps ensure you’re aware of radon exposure in all areas of the home.
What Levels of Radon are Considered Unsafe?
In Canada, radon levels are considered unsafe at 200 becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m³) or higher. If testing reveals levels at or above this threshold on any level of your home, Health Canada recommends taking action to lower radon concentrations.
How to Mitigate Radon on Multiple Levels
If elevated radon levels are found, several mitigation techniques can help reduce radon throughout the home:
- Sub-slab Depressurization: The most effective radon reduction method involves installing a venting system under the foundation to prevent radon from entering the home. This system can lower radon levels on all floors.
- Increased Ventilation: Improving ventilation by adding vents or adjusting the HVAC system can help lower radon levels, especially on upper floors where radon may accumulate.
- Sealing Cracks and Openings: Although not a standalone solution, sealing cracks and openings can prevent radon from entering, helping to reduce overall levels throughout the building.
Conclusion
Radon may be most concentrated in the basement, but it doesn’t stay there. Understanding how radon moves throughout a home and testing multiple levels is essential to protect your family’s health. In regions like Windsor-Essex County and Chatham-Kent, where homes often have basements or lower living areas, comprehensive radon testing, and mitigation are essential steps toward a safe, radon-free environment.
Contact Us Today
At IES Consulting Group, we specialize in radon testing and mitigation services that target multiple levels of your home, providing a clear picture of your indoor air quality. Contact us today to schedule a radon assessment, or visit our site to learn more about how we can help you ensure a safe, radon-free home.
