Introduction:
When you buy a newly constructed home, you expect modern materials, energy efficiency, and a high standard of safety. With new building codes and advanced construction techniques, it’s easy to assume everything is in perfect order—including the air you breathe. However, even the newest homes in Ottawa can harbor a serious, invisible health threat: radon gas.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps into buildings from the ground. It has no smell, color, or taste, and it can accumulate in enclosed spaces—especially in basements and lower floors. Contrary to popular belief, radon is not just a problem for older, drafty homes. In fact, new homes can be at even greater risk due to energy-efficient design that restricts airflow and traps radon inside.
In this article, we’ll explore exactly why every new home in Ottawa should be tested for radon, how modern construction contributes to the issue, and what steps you can take to protect your family and your investment https://ottawaradon.pro/.
What Is Radon and Why Is It Dangerous?
Understanding Radon Gas
Radon forms naturally from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and groundwater. As uranium decays, radon gas is released and moves upward through the earth’s crust. If it enters a home through cracks, sump pits, drains, or construction joints, it can accumulate—especially in confined, unventilated spaces.
The Health Risks of Radon Exposure
According to Health Canada:
- Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada.
- It is responsible for over 3,000 lung cancer deaths annually.
- Long-term exposure to radon increases your lifetime risk of lung cancer—especially if you are or have been a smoker.
Radon-related health effects can take years or even decades to surface, making early detection critical.
Ottawa’s Unique Radon Risk
Why Is Ottawa More Affected Than Other Cities?
Ottawa is located in a region with high natural uranium content in the bedrock and soil. Specifically, the city is built on a mix of:
- Granite and shale-rich bedrock
- Clay-heavy glacial till
- Loamy and sandy subsoils
These geological features make the natural release of radon more likely in Ottawa than in many other Canadian cities.
The Data Tells the Story
Health Canada’s cross-country survey revealed that:
- 1 in 5 homes in Ottawa exceeds the safe radon level of 200 Bq/m³ (becquerels per cubic metre).
- Some neighborhoods, including Barrhaven, Kanata, Orleans, and Greely, have homes testing at levels above 1,000 Bq/m³.
- Ottawa consistently ranks as a high radon zone compared to the national average.
Despite these alarming figures, most residents remain unaware of the threat—especially those in newly built homes.
Myth: “New Homes Don’t Have Radon Problems”
This is one of the most dangerous misconceptions about radon.
Why New Homes Can Have Higher Radon Levels
Modern homes are built to be airtight and energy-efficient, which, while great for reducing heating costs, also limits natural air exchange. As a result:
- Radon becomes trapped more easily inside the home.
- HVAC systems may recirculate radon-laden air instead of venting it out.
- Basements in new homes are larger and more frequently used, increasing exposure risk.
The “Tightness” Factor
Older homes often have cracks and drafts that, ironically, can help vent radon unintentionally. New homes, with their tightly sealed envelopes, are designed to keep air in—which is exactly the problem when radon levels begin to rise.
New Doesn’t Mean Tested
Most builders in Ontario do not automatically test for radon, nor are they legally required to. Even if radon-resistant construction methods are used, without testing, there’s no way to know your exposure risk.
Real-Life Cases from Ottawa
Case 1: Barrhaven New Build (2022)
A family moved into their brand-new home, complete with the latest insulation, windows, and HVAC. Months later, after attending a radon awareness workshop, they tested their basement and discovered a reading of 820 Bq/m³—over four times the Health Canada guideline. The family had been spending hours each day in their finished basement without knowing they were at high risk.
Case 2: Orleans Townhome (2021)
After reading about local radon risks, the homeowner of a two-year-old townhouse decided to test using a DIY long-term kit. The result? 470 Bq/m³. A mitigation system reduced it to 45 Bq/m³ within 48 hours.
These stories are not rare. New homes in Ottawa are just as likely—if not more likely—to have elevated radon levels.
What Happens During a Radon Test?
Professional Testing
- Uses a Continuous Radon Monitor (CRM)
- Measures radon hourly over 2 to 7 days
- Ideal for real estate transactions or short timelines
- Cost: $150–$300
DIY Long-Term Testing
- Uses alpha track detectors
- Measures average exposure over 91+ days
- Best for accuracy and long-term assessment
- Cost: $40–$80
- Results returned within 2–3 weeks
Health Canada Recommendation
Health Canada recommends long-term testing (91+ days), ideally during the heating season (October–April) when homes are closed and ventilation is minimal.
What If Your New Home Has High Radon?
Radon Mitigation Is Fast and Effective
The most common solution is a Sub-Slab Depressurization (SSD) system, which:
- Vents radon from beneath the foundation to the outside air
- Uses a pipe and fan system installed in the basement or utility room
- Reduces radon levels by up to 99%
Cost and Installation
- Average cost in Ottawa: $2,000 to $3,500
- Installation time: 1–2 days
- Energy-efficient and quiet
- No major changes to your home’s structure
Re-Test After Mitigation
Always conduct a follow-up test 30–90 days after installation to ensure the system is working effectively.
Why Builders Should Be Part of the Solution
Radon-Resistant New Construction (RRNC)
Some Ottawa builders are beginning to include radon mitigation features in new homes, such as:
- Gravel layers under slabs for improved gas movement
- Plastic sheeting over soil before pouring concrete
- Vent pipe “rough-ins” for future SSD system installation
- Sealed sump lids and joint caulking
However, these features are not required by the Ontario Building Code—meaning it’s up to the buyer to request or install radon-resistant features and conduct testing.
Legal and Regulatory Context in Ottawa
Is Radon Testing Mandatory?
- In Ontario, there is no legal requirement for builders or sellers to test for radon.
- However, if high radon is found and not mitigated, landlords or sellers may be liable under the Residential Tenancies Act or general duty of care laws.
Real Estate Trends
- More Ottawa homebuyers are demanding radon test results before purchase
- Radon awareness is becoming a selling point for health-conscious buyers
- Some banks and mortgage insurers are now considering radon status in underwriting
Government and Community Support
Health Canada
- Recommends testing in all homes
- Offers public information, guidelines, and certified lab lists
Take Action on Radon
- A national campaign promoting awareness and testing
- Offers free test kits in some communities
- Hosts events, webinars, and local partnerships
Ottawa Public Health
- Provides resources for homeowners and renters
- Encourages radon testing through public health campaigns
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: My home is under warranty. Should I still test?
Yes. Radon isn’t typically covered under builder warranties unless discovered and reported early. Test now to catch any problems while still eligible for possible builder cooperation.
Q2: Can I just rely on my neighbor’s results?
No. Radon levels vary greatly—even between adjacent homes. The only way to know your home’s radon level is to test it yourself.
Q3: Will radon testing affect my home’s value?
Testing actually protects and enhances your home’s value, especially if results are low or if mitigation has been completed. Buyers appreciate transparency and proactive safety measures.
Q4: Should I test if my basement is unfinished?
Yes. Whether finished or not, radon enters through the foundation. If you ever plan to finish your basement or spend time there, it’s essential to test.
Conclusion:
Your newly built Ottawa home may have the best insulation, top-rated windows, and energy-efficient systems — but none of those features protect you from radon. In fact, they can make the problem worse by sealing in harmful gases.
Given Ottawa’s geology, climate, and construction trends, every new home should be tested for radon, ideally during the first winter after occupancy.
It’s fast. It’s affordable. And it’s the only way to know if your air is safe.
Take control. Test for radon. Protect your family. Your home may be new, but radon doesn’t care.