Do You Need to Be Concerned About Radon During Renovations

Posted in Radon Testing, on June 11, 2025

Home renovations are a great time to perform home air quality testing, as they provide an opportunity to make adjustments and improvements behind the scenes that result in a healthier and safer home environment. One of the services that we suggest at SafeAir is radon testing. This hidden indoor hazard is one of the leading causes of cancer in Canadians and can fluctuate during or because of renovation activity. In this article, we’re sharing more about radon gas, why it matters, and how your renovations may affect its levels in your home. And, of course, we’ll also share some of our professional suggestions on what you can do to prevent it. 

What is Radon and Why Does it Matter?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It is made by uranium in the Earth’s surface and is generally harmless unless concentrated. Unfortunately, our homes and basements can attract and capture radon gas, allowing it to accumulate to harmful levels with long-term consequences. After cigarette smoking, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer, but unlike cigarettes, there is no smell, visible evidence, or residue left behind. People generally don’t know they’ve been exposed until it’s too late, making radon testing the only safety measure available. 

How Renovations Can Impact Radon Levels

It’s hard to predict whether your home will be affected by radon gas. Each house on a block may have wildly different test results because radon enters the home through cracks and gaps in the foundation, which are individual to each property. 

Renovations can change a previously safe home’s radon levels by disturbing foundations, seals, flooring, and walls, which may create new radon entry points. Renovations may also change airflow and ventilation, suddenly trapping radon gas in lower-level rooms and spaces. Some common renovations that can affect radon gas levels in homes include HVAC upgrades, basement finishing, and adding new rooms. 

Signs You Should Be Concerned

While radon leaves no trace and has no smell or residue, there are signs that you should have your home tested for radon gas. At SafeAir, we recommend a professional radon test if you live in one of the communities that the Ontario Public Health has identified as high risk — you can find a complete list online. An old foundation, visible cracks, gaps, or damage, should also be considered a risk factor. 

What You Can Do To Protect Yourself

Radon testing is easy and non-invasive. At SafeAir, we install a small testing device - not unlike a fire alarm - on your home’s basement or ground floor. Unlike a fire alarm, our devices do not beep or make any noise; instead, they passively sample your indoor air quality for 3-6 months. At the end of this period, we will uninstall it and send it back to the lab. 

If your home tests positive for radon gas, we’ll help you come up with a mitigation strategy, whether that’s using radon-resistant construction techniques and materials or improving ventilation. Regardless of the results, home air quality testing provides a safe, science-based baseline that helps families make healthy choices for their homes before, during, or after renovation. To learn more about radon gas and whether your home needs an assessment, call SafeAir today. 

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