Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive gas that seeps up from the ground and builds up inside homes. You cannot see it, smell it, or taste it — the only way to know your level is to test. That matters a great deal in Southern Saskatchewan, where the geology and prairie building styles combine to push indoor radon higher than in many parts of the country.
Why Southern Saskatchewan homeowners should test
Saskatchewan records some of the highest residential radon results anywhere in Canada. The federal Cross-Canada Radon Survey and later provincial studies both found that elevated readings turn up again and again across the province — often in ordinary, well-kept homes. It is not tied to the age of the house or how new the finishing looks. A home built last year can read higher than a neighbour's home built decades ago, because radon depends on the soil beneath the foundation and how air moves through the structure, not on how the home appears.
Because Southern Saskatchewan winters are long and homes are sealed tight for months, radon that enters the basement has fewer chances to escape and can concentrate over the heating season. That combination — radon-rich prairie soils plus tightly sealed winter homes — is exactly why testing is worth doing here. The reassuring part is that a high reading is fixable, and the first step is simply measuring.
Communities we cover
We ship radon test kits to homeowners right across Southern Saskatchewan. If you live in one of the region's larger centres, we have local guides for you:
We also serve surrounding communities including Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Swift Current, Yorkton, and Weyburn. Wherever you are in the province, the same advice applies — and you can read our broader overview of radon in Saskatchewan for the full provincial picture.
How radon testing works
Health Canada recommends a long-term test of at least 91 days, ideally run over the heating season when homes are closed up and radon levels are at their most representative. A quick two- or three-day test can swing wildly with the weather and does not reflect what you actually breathe over a year.
The process is straightforward with our radon test kit. Place the C-NRPP-approved detector in the lowest level of your home you spend time in — a finished basement, or the main floor if you rarely use the basement — about one to two metres off the floor, away from drafts, exterior walls, windows, and moisture. Leave it in place for the full test period under normal living conditions. When you are done, you mail it back in the prepaid packaging and it is analysed by a Canadian C-NRPP certified lab, with your report emailed to you.
Health Canada's action guideline is 200 Bq/m³ (becquerels per cubic metre). This is the level at which taking action to reduce radon is recommended. It is important to understand what that number means: it is not a line between acceptable and harmful. Any amount of radon carries some risk, and there is no known radon level that is entirely free of risk — the guideline is simply the point at which fixing the problem becomes a clear priority.
What to do if your level is high
If your result comes back at or above 200 Bq/m³, don't panic — this is a common and solvable situation, especially in Southern Saskatchewan. Contact a C-NRPP-certified radon mitigation professional for an assessment and quote. The most common fix is sub-slab depressurization, a system that draws radon from beneath the foundation and vents it safely above the roofline before it can enter your living space. A properly installed system typically reduces radon substantially.
After the work is done, retest to confirm the system is doing its job. Testing again gives you documented proof that your home is now below the guideline — useful for your own peace of mind and if you ever sell.
Frequently asked questions
How do I test my home for radon?
Health Canada recommends a long-term test of at least 91 days, ideally over the heating season. Place the detector in the lowest level you spend time in, leave it the full period, then mail it to a lab. Our kit includes the C-NRPP-approved detector, prepaid two-way shipping, analysis by a Canadian C-NRPP certified lab, and an emailed report.
Is there an acceptable level of radon?
Any radon carries some risk, and there is no known level that is entirely free of risk. Health Canada's 200 Bq/m³ is an action guideline — the point at which reducing your level is recommended — not a line between acceptable and harmful.
Where should I place the radon test kit?
In the lowest level of your home you use regularly — a finished basement, or the main floor if you don't use the basement — about one to two metres off the floor, away from drafts, exterior walls, windows, and humidity, under normal living conditions.
Why is radon a concern in Southern Saskatchewan?
Saskatchewan records some of the highest residential radon results in Canada. Prairie soils and long, tightly sealed winters let radon concentrate indoors over the heating season. Testing is the only way to know your home's level, and any home in the region can be affected regardless of its age.
What do I do if my radon level is high?
At or above 200 Bq/m³, Health Canada recommends taking action. Contact a C-NRPP-certified radon mitigation professional for a quote; a properly installed system typically reduces levels substantially. Retest afterward to confirm it worked.
Test your Southern Saskatchewan home
Don't guess about radon — measure it. Order our radon test kit and find out where your home stands.