Radon gas is one of the most serious yet least visible indoor air quality threats affecting homes across Canada. In Ottawa, where soil conditions and building structures create a higher risk of radon infiltration, thousands of homes may contain unsafe radon levels without the owners even knowing.
Because radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, it can only be detected through proper testing. Long-term exposure is a leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and a major indoor air quality concern recognized by Health Canada.
At Dr. Clean Air, we help Ottawa homeowners identify radon risks early and provide professional radon mitigation solutions designed to protect families, improve indoor air quality, and ensure long-term safety.
What Is Radon Gas?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released from the natural breakdown of uranium found in soil, rock, and groundwater. As it forms underground, radon rises through the soil and can enter homes through:
- Foundation cracks
- Gaps around plumbing and utility penetrations
- Floor drains and sump pits
- Construction joints
- Porous concrete slabs
Once inside, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels — especially in basements and lower living spaces.
Because radon is invisible and odorless, testing is the only reliable way to detect it. Dr. Clean Air offers professional radon testing services across Ottawa to accurately determine indoor radon concentrations.
Why Radon Is a Serious Health Risk
According to Health Canada, radon exposure is:
- The second leading cause of lung cancer
- The leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers
- Responsible for over 3,000 lung cancer deaths annually in Canada
The risk increases with both concentration level and duration of exposure.
Health Canada Radon Guidelines
- Action level: 200 Bq/m³
- Recommended mitigation if results exceed this level
- Immediate action recommended above 600 Bq/m³
At Dr. Clean Air, we follow Health Canada guidelines closely and help homeowners reduce radon levels to safe, acceptable ranges.
Why Radon Is a Concern in Ottawa
Ottawa is considered a moderate-to-high radon risk area due to several factors:
- Uranium-rich soil composition
- Clay and bedrock layers that trap gases
- Cold winters that increase indoor negative pressure
- Energy-efficient construction that limits natural ventilation
Even newly built homes in Ottawa can experience elevated radon levels. This is why Dr. Clean Air strongly recommends radon testing for all homes, regardless of age or construction type.
How Radon Enters Ottawa Homes
Radon enters buildings through pressure differentials between the soil and indoor air. Common entry points include:
- Basement wall and floor cracks
- Open or uncovered sump pits
- Gaps around HVAC and plumbing lines
- Floor drains
- Crawl spaces
During winter months, warm indoor air rises and escapes, pulling soil gases — including radon — into the home. Dr. Clean Air technicians are trained to identify these entry points during inspection.
Signs Your Home May Have Elevated Radon Levels
Radon produces no smell or symptoms, but risk may be higher if your home includes:
- A finished or frequently used basement
- Slab-on-grade construction
- Airtight insulation and windows
- Persistent basement humidity
- Nearby homes with known high radon levels
Only professional radon testing can confirm your exposure level.
Radon Testing in Ottawa
Health Canada recommends:
- Long-term radon testing (90+ days) for accurate readings
- Testing during the heating season (October–April)
- Placement on the lowest lived-in level of the home
Dr. Clean Air provides both short-term screening and long-term radon testing solutions, with clear reporting and professional interpretation of results.
What Is Radon Gas Mitigation?
Radon mitigation involves actively reducing radon levels by preventing soil gas from entering the building.
The most effective method used by Dr. Clean Air in Ottawa is:
Sub-Slab Depressurization (SSD)
This system includes:
- A sealed extraction point beneath the foundation
- Specialized radon-rated piping
- A continuously operating radon fan
- Safe venting above the roofline
When properly installed, radon levels can be reduced by up to 99%.
Why Professional Radon Mitigation Is Essential
Radon mitigation is a life-safety system incorrect installation can make the problem worse.
Professional mitigation by Dr. Clean Air ensures:
- Proper fan sizing and placement
- Airtight sealing of foundation penetrations
- Correct vent routing and labeling
- Compliance with Canadian radon guidelines
- Long-term system reliability
Our technicians are trained specifically for radon mitigation not general plumbing or HVAC shortcuts.
Canadian Radon Mitigation Standards
Canada follows the CGSB-2019 Radon Control Options Standard, which outlines approved mitigation practices.
While this standard currently serves as a guideline rather than a product performance regulation, Dr. Clean Air installs systems that meet and exceed these recommendations, ensuring safety, clarity, and future compliance with upcoming building code updates.
Benefits of Radon Mitigation with Dr. Clean Air
✔ Health Canada guideline compliance
✔ Improved indoor air quality
✔ Reduced lung cancer risk
✔ Increased property value
✔ Peace of mind for homeowners
Radon mitigation is a long-term investment in your family’s health.
How Long Does Installation Take?
Most radon mitigation systems installed by Dr. Clean Air are completed within:
- One working day
- Minimal disruption
- No structural damage
- Quiet continuous operation
Post-mitigation testing confirms effectiveness.
How Often Should Radon Be Retested?
Health Canada recommends retesting:
- Every 2–5 years
- After renovations
- After foundation repairs
- After HVAC system upgrades
Dr. Clean Air offers follow-up testing services to ensure continued protection.
Radon Mitigation for Homes and Commercial Buildings
Radon affects more than residential homes. Dr. Clean Air also provides radon mitigation for:
- Offices
- Daycares
- Schools
- Medical clinics
- Multi-unit residential buildings
Professional mitigation protects occupants and supports workplace health standards.
Choosing Dr. Clean Air for Radon Mitigation in Ottawa
When it comes to radon, experience matters. Dr. Clean Air provides:
- Specialized radon mitigation expertise
- Certified technicians
- Professional-grade radon fans and materials
- Transparent pricing
- Post-installation testing and documentation
Our goal is simple: help Ottawa families breathe safer air every day.
Final Thoughts: Radon Is Invisible — But the Risk Is Real
Radon exposure happens silently, over time. There are no warning signs only consequences.
In Ottawa’s soil conditions and climate, radon testing and mitigation should be considered a standard part of responsible home ownership.
If your home has never been tested, now is the time.
Protect Your Family with Dr. Clean Air
👉 Book your radon testing or radon mitigation service in Ottawa with Dr. Clean Air today.
Clean air isn’t something you should assume it’s something you should confirm.
Trust Dr. Clean Air. Call today