Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive gas that can silently infiltrate your home and pose serious health risks. Formed from the natural decay of uranium in soil and rock, radon seeps into homes through foundation cracks, floor drains, and other openings. Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. This makes radon testing not just a recommendation—it’s a necessity for every homeowner. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to test your property, here are key signs to watch for.
1. You’ve Never Tested Your Home Before
If you’ve never conducted radon testing in your home, it’s time to prioritize it. Many homeowners assume they’re safe simply because their home is new, well-ventilated, or not located in a high-risk area. But radon doesn’t discriminate—any home, regardless of its age, size, or location, can have elevated levels. Conducting radon testing establishes a critical baseline and ensures you’re not unknowingly exposed to harmful concentrations.
2. You Live in a High-Risk Radon Zone
Certain geographic areas are more prone to high radon levels due to the composition of soil and underlying rock. If your region is classified as a radon-prone zone by Health Canada or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), your risk is significantly higher. Even if your home hasn’t shown symptoms, radon testing in these areas is a smart, preventive move. Nearby homes with high readings can be a strong indicator that your home could also be affected.
3. You’ve Recently Moved or Renovated
Buying a new home is exciting, but it’s also the perfect time to evaluate indoor air quality. If radon testing wasn’t done during the home inspection, or if the results are outdated, testing should be done immediately. Renovations can also disturb the soil around your foundation or create new entry points for radon gas. Whether you’ve finished a basement, added an extension, or upgraded HVAC systems, these changes can affect your home’s radon levels. Schedule radon testing after any major construction project to stay protected.
4. You Spend a Lot of Time in the Basement
Radon is heaviest at the lowest levels of the home, especially in basements. If your basement serves as a home office, recreation room, or sleeping area, your risk of exposure increases. Even if the rest of your house shows normal radon levels, the basement could still harbor dangerous concentrations. Routine radon testing of your basement can give you the clarity you need to act decisively.
5. Neighbours Have Reported High Radon Levels
Radon levels can vary significantly from one house to the next, even in the same neighborhood. However, if your neighbors have discovered high levels, it could be a red flag.
Soil conditions and home construction styles often impact how radon enters and accumulates. This is a clear sign that you should schedule radon testing without delay.
6. You or a Family Member Has Chronic Respiratory Issues
While radon exposure doesn’t cause immediate symptoms, prolonged inhalation can worsen existing respiratory issues or lead to new ones over time. If someone in your household has unexplained chronic coughs, breathing difficulty, or lung infections, it’s worth looking into your indoor air quality. Radon testing may reveal a hidden contributor to ongoing health concerns. Even if radon isn’t the cause, ruling it out provides peace of mind.
7. It’s Been More Than Two Years Since Your Last Test
Radon levels aren’t static—they can fluctuate due to seasonal changes, soil shifting, and home modifications. Health experts recommend radon testing every two years or immediately after any changes to your home’s structure or ventilation system. Don’t assume a single low reading from years ago is still valid today.
Radon Testing is Easier Than You Think
Many homeowners delay radon testing because they assume it’s expensive or complicated. The truth is, testing can be simple and affordable. DIY radon test kits are available at most hardware stores and online, or you can hire a certified radon professional for more detailed analysis. Whether you opt for short-term or long-term testing, identifying elevated levels early can help you implement solutions like sub-slab depressurization or improved ventilation.
Protect What Matters Most: Your Family’s Health
Your home should be your safest space—but without radon testing, you can’t be sure it is. From chronic health issues to geographic indicators, there are several valid reasons to take action now. 
Regular radon testing empowers homeowners to address problems before they escalate into serious health risks. If any of the signs in this article apply to your situation, don’t wait. Take the first step today toward cleaner, safer air in your home.
