Complete the Radon Questionnaire today.
No personal information or addresses are collected in this survey.
Do a test. Know your Radon risk.
Quick Links:
Take Action on Radon: Order a Radon test kit
Take Action on Radon: How to interpret radon test results
City of Guelph Radon Gas Mitigation Program
Radon | Canadian Cancer Society
- What is Radon?
-
Radon is the #1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is released from the soil. You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it, but this naturally occurring radioactive gas can leak into your home from soil, rock, and groundwater. It seeps into buildings through cracks in the foundation. Once inside your home, it can accumulate, and the higher the concentration, the greater the risk of developing lung cancer.
According to a survey of homes conducted by Health Canada in 2009:
- 15% of homes tested across Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph tested above the recommended guideline for radon
- 18% of homes tested in Guelph tested above the recommended guideline for radon
High levels of radon present a health risk: radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. And the risks of developing lung cancer from radon are greater for smokers and those exposed to second-hand smoke. The only way to know the level of radon in your home is to test for it.
- Who is at risk?
-
If you have a basement or crawl space in your home, this presents an avenue by which radon can enter the home. You are most at risk if you spend a lot of time in your basement. If you have an office in the basement, if your children spend a lot of time in the basement, or if you rent a basement unit, it is important to know your home’s radon levels.
-
How can I test for Radon?
-
Because radon is a colourless, odourless gas, you can’t see it, smell it or taste it. That means you don’t know how much radon is in your home – unless you test. Testing your home for radon is easy and inexpensive. Health Canada recommends using an approved long-term radon detector for at least three months. The best time to test is between October and March, when windows and doors are usually closed. If the radon level in your home is high, there are steps that you can take to lower it.
- Visit a library and borrow a radon screening tool for free.
Digital radon detectors are a great way to complete an initial radon screening test in your home for free. Local libraries that offer Digital Radon Detector Loan programs include the following:
- Purchase a long-term radon test kit
For a list of Ontario suppliers, visit Take Action on Radon - Where to buy test kits.
You should check the list of radon testing devices approved by the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) before purchasing your kit to ensure it is on the list. Testing devices fit in the palm of your hand and typically look like this:
Instructions generally involve unpacking the device, placing it in your home (the user’s manual will provide tips on picking a location) and waiting at least three months before packing it back up and shipping it to a lab for analysis. The fall and winter are ideal times to test your home because windows and doors are generally closed, preventing drafts from affecting results.
- What to do if results show high levels of Radon
-
Once you have your test results, you can compare them with the Health Canada guideline, which recommends remediating (taking steps to repair) if indoor radon levels are above 200 Bq/m3.
For more advice on testing and remediating your home, visit Take Action on Radon.
If your home has high radon, you have options. The cost of remediation is comparable to other home repairs, such as replacing a furnace or air conditioner, and well worth the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve fixed the problem.
- Resources for new homeowners
-
Since 2015, the Ontario Building Code requires radon gas mitigation measures be implemented in all new low-rise residential dwellings where radon is a known problem. This includes the City of Guelph.
If you have concerns or questions about radon in your home, visit the links below for more information.
City of Guelph:
Learn more about the City’s radon gas mitigation program and requirements for new buildings here: Radon Gas Mitigation Program - City of Guelph .
Or contact the City of Guelph here:
Nicholas Rosenberg, Program Manager of Permit Services
Building Services519-837-5615 extension 2285
nicholas.rosenberg@guelph.caWellington and Dufferin:
Contact Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health:
1-800-265-7293 extension 4753
info@wdgpublichealth.ca - Resources for renters
-
In Ontario, landlords are not legally required to test a rental property. However, discuss with your landlord as they may already know the radon levels in the home. Some steps that you can take to protect yourself include the following:
- Discuss with your landlord about radon testing.
- Purchase a radon test kit, at the links above.
- Borrow a short-term test kit from a local library
If testing indicates high radon levels, share the results with your landlord. They may be required to disclose this information to future renters or buyers. Landlords are required to provide safe housing, so they may also be required to reduce the radon level. Consult with your local property standards officials for more information.
Property Standard contact information for municipalities:
Municipality Contact Information Municipality Contact Information Amaranth, Township of
Property standards and complaints inquiries: info@amaranth.ca Melancthon, Township of 519-941-0440 x 2226
info@melancthontownship.caCentre Wellington, Township of 519-846-9691 x 237
schauhan@centrewellington.caMinto, Town of 519-338-2511
rhobbelink@town.minto.on.caEast Garafraxa, Township of
519-938-7326
info@eastgarafraxa.caMono, Township of 519-941-3599 x 234
info@townofmono.comErin, Town of
519-855-4407 x 261
bylawenforcement@erin.caMulmur, Township of 705-466-3341 x 223
info@mulmur.caGrand Valley, Town of 519-928-5652
mail@townofgrandvalley.caOrangeville, Town of 519-941-0440 x 2226
jmoore@orangeville.caGuelph, City of 519-837-2529 x 2526
propertystandards@guelph.caPuslinch, Township of 519-763-1226 x 215
services@puslinch.caGuelph-Eramosa, Township of 519-856-9596 x 121
ilunevski@get.on.caShelburne, Township of 519-925-2600 x 229
bylaw@shelburne.caMapleton, Township of 519-638-3313 x 032
rhobbelink@mapleton.caWellington North, Township of 519-848-3620
township@wellington-north.com