The Silent Threat Lurking in Calgary Homes: What You Need to Know About Radon

Why radon is a health risk in our city, and how to test, reduce, and protect your home and family.

There’s a lot to think about when it comes to your home, location, budget, upgrades, resale value. But one thing that often gets missed is the air we’re breathing inside it every day. Especially here in Calgary, where something invisible could quietly be putting your health at risk: radon gas.

I know, it’s not the most interesting topic. But stick with me. Because this is one of those things that once you learn about it, you won’t ignore it again.

What is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It moves up through the ground and can seep into your home through cracks in the foundation, floor drains, sump pumps, even through well water in some cases.

It’s colourless, odourless, and tasteless. You won’t know it’s there unless you test for it.

Why Should You Care?

Here’s the part that made me start paying attention, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada, after smoking. Alberta has some of the highest radon levels in the country due to our geology, and Calgary homes, especially newer, tightly sealed ones, can trap radon gas indoors where it builds up to unsafe levels.

And no, this isn’t just an “old house” issue. Radon doesn’t discriminate. I’ve seen it show up in everything from century homes in Ramsay to brand new builds in Legacy.

Are There Symptoms of Radon Exposure?

One of the scariest parts about radon is that you can’t feel it, smell it, or taste it, and it doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms right away.

That said, long-term exposure to high levels of radon damages the lungs over time. You may not notice anything for years, but over time it significantly increases your risk of developing lung cancer, even if you’ve never smoked.

Some early signs of radon-related lung issues may include:

• Persistent cough that doesn’t go away

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain, especially when coughing or laughing

• Frequent respiratory infections

• Hoarseness or wheezing

  
  

These symptoms often don’t show up until serious damage has occurred. That’s why prevention, through testing and mitigation, is so important.

How Do You Test for Radon?

The good news? It’s easy and inexpensive to test.

The best option is a long-term radon test (over 90 days), ideally during colder months when your home is sealed tight. You can order a test kit online for around $50 to $70, or pick one up through organizations like Take Action on Radon or through local health authorities. Follow the instructions, place the detector in a frequently used area on the lowest lived-in level of your home (not the furnace room or garage), and send it off to the lab when time’s up.

Here’s something important to know—radon levels can vary dramatically from house to house, even if you share a wall with your neighbour. Just because your next-door neighbour tested and got a safe result doesn’t mean your home is fine. It all comes down to things like soil composition, foundation type, and airflow patterns inside your house.

Within a few weeks, you’ll get your radon level. If it’s high, don’t panic. This can be fixed.

What If the Levels Are High?

Mitigating radon is surprisingly straightforward. A certified contractor installs a radon mitigation system (basically a fan and venting system that pulls radon from beneath your foundation and releases it safely outside). It usually costs between $2,000 and $3,000, less than a new furnace, and with far more long-term impact on your health.

And if you're planning to sell, it's good to know that buyers are becoming more aware of radon. Testing (and mitigating, if needed) before listing your home can actually help with peace of mind and negotiation power.

What Buyers and Sellers Should Know

If you’re house hunting, ask if the home has been tested. If it hasn’t, you can make a radon test a condition of your offer. If you're selling and haven’t tested, it may be worth doing pre-listing. It shows transparency and care, and can help avoid hiccups later.

For families, especially those with young children spending a lot of time in basement playrooms or bedrooms, testing for radon is one of the smartest home health decisions you can make.

Final Thoughts

I get it, this probably wasn’t on your radar. Most people don’t talk about radon at the dinner table. But once you know, you can’t unknow.

As a real estate professional (and a mom), I believe that home is more than a roof over your head, it’s the place you should feel safest. If you ever want to chat more about radon, where to get a test, or how this ties into buying or selling in Calgary, I’m always here to help. You can also check out https://takeactiononradon.ca for more valuable information!