Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about radon testing with RadonTest.ca™.

About Radon

What is radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It’s colourless, odourless, and can accumulate in enclosed spaces like homes.
Why is radon a concern?

Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers in Canada, according to Health Canada.
How does radon get into my home?

Radon seeps through cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, and other openings where your home contacts the ground. Any home can have elevated radon — regardless of age, type, or location.
What is the Health Canada guideline for radon?

Health Canada’s guideline level is 200 Bq/m³. If your long-term average is above this level, Health Canada recommends taking action to reduce it.

About the Test

What kind of test is this?

This is a long-term alpha-track radon test, analysed by our C-NRPP and ISO 17025 certified lab partner, Lex Scientific. The detector passively measures radon levels over a minimum of 91 days (up to 12 months), providing a reliable average that accounts for daily and seasonal fluctuations.
Why does the test take 91+ days?

Health Canada recommends long-term testing (at least 3 months) as the most accurate way to measure your home’s radon level. Short-term tests can vary significantly day to day. You can leave the detector in place for up to 12 months if you want a longer sampling period — for example, to cover both heating and non-heating seasons.
Where should I place the detector?

In the lowest lived-in level of your home — usually the basement. The printed placement guide included in your kit has detailed instructions with diagrams.
Can I test multiple rooms?

Each kit tests one location. If you want to test multiple areas, you’ll need to order one kit per location.
What happens if I move the detector during the test?

Moving the detector can affect your results. If it's been moved, contact us at support@radontest.ca and we'll help determine whether the kit should be restarted or replaced.
Can I leave the kit out longer than 91+ days?

Yes. The minimum testing period is 91+ days, but the lab accepts kits exposed for up to 12 months. A longer test gives a more representative annual average. Most customers return their kit around Day 91, but you’re welcome to keep testing if you prefer. We’ll send periodic check-in reminders so you don’t forget. Kits not returned within 12 months of the start date cannot be analyzed.
How soon should I start the test after receiving my kit?

Place your detector within a few days of receiving it. Radon test kits have a shelf life, and starting promptly helps ensure the most reliable results. If you need to delay, the kit will remain effective for several months, but don’t wait too long.
How do I register my test kit?

Once your kit arrives, visit our Customer Portal and click Start Your Test. You’ll enter your order number, register your detector barcode(s), confirm detector placement, and choose a start date. The portal will give you a test number and estimated end date. You can also add the end date to your calendar.
How do I end my test and return my kit?

After your 91+ day testing period, visit the Customer Portal and click End Your Test. Enter your test number or email to look up your test, confirm your end date, and you’ll receive step-by-step return instructions. Seal your detector in the provided return envelope and take it to a Canada Post depot, post office, or authorized postal outlet using the prepaid return label included in your kit. Do not use a street mailbox.

Shipping & Returns

How long does shipping take?

Kits ship within 2 business days via Canada Post. Delivery typically takes 3–7 business days depending on your location.
Do you ship to all of Canada?

Yes — we ship to all Canadian provinces and territories.
How do I return the kit?

Seal the detector in the provided envelope, attach the pre-paid Canada Post return label, and take it to a Canada Post depot, post office, or authorized postal outlet. Do not use a street mailbox.
What if I lose the return label?

Contact us at support@radontest.ca and we’ll send you a replacement label.

Results

How long until I get my results?

Results are typically delivered by email within approximately 2 weeks after the lab receives your detector. We'll email you as soon as they're ready.
What does my result mean?

Your result is a radon concentration measured in Bq/m³. We’ll show how it compares to the Health Canada guideline of 200 Bq/m³ and share general next-step resources.
What if my result is above 200 Bq/m³?

If your result is above 200 Bq/m³, Health Canada recommends contacting a C-NRPP certified radon mitigation professional. We include the C-NRPP directory so you can find a certified professional in your area. We do not provide mitigation services or recommend specific companies.
Do you recommend mitigation companies?

No. If your result is above the Health Canada guideline, we point you to the C-NRPP (Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program) directory so you can find certified professionals in your area.

Tarion Warranty (Ontario)

Does my RadonTest.ca result qualify for a Tarion warranty claim?

Tarion accepts results from both DIY test kits and professional testing, provided the test covers a minimum 91 day period and is C-NRPP certified. RadonTest.ca™ kits are analysed by Lex Scientific, a C-NRPP certified laboratory, meeting these requirements. If your result is above 200 Bq/m³ and your home is within its 7-year warranty period, you can submit a warranty claim to your builder and Tarion. For the full filing walkthrough, see our Tarion radon warranty claim guide. RadonTest.ca™ is not affiliated with Tarion Warranty Corporation.
Who is eligible for Tarion radon coverage, and how much is covered?

Owners of Ontario new homes whose Agreement of Purchase and Sale was signed on or after March 25, 2013, with possession in the past 7 years. Coverage is up to $15,000 for purchase agreements signed between March 25, 2013 and January 31, 2021, and up to $50,000 for agreements signed on or after February 1, 2021. The warranty travels with the home — resale buyers whose home is still within its 7-year window from the original possession date are also covered.
My result is above 200 Bq/m³ — how do I file a Tarion claim?

First, notify your builder in writing with your lab report attached. Then register at myhome.tarion.com and submit the warranty form appropriate to your warranty year (Year-End, Second-Year, or 7-Year Major Structural Defect / Environmentally Harmful Substances Form). The submission triggers a 120-day builder repair period. If unresolved, request a Tarion conciliation. After mitigation is installed, run a post-mitigation test to confirm levels are below 200 Bq/m³. For the full step-by-step walkthrough and common mistakes that kill claims, see our Tarion radon warranty claim guide.
Does the Tarion warranty cover radon in a resale home?

Yes, if the home is still within its 7-year warranty window from the original possession date. The warranty travels with the home, not the original buyer. Contact Tarion to formally transfer the warranty into your name.
Does Tarion cover health damages from radon exposure?

No. The Tarion radon warranty covers mitigation cost only (up to $50,000). Personal injury, illness, and damage to personal property are not covered. The warranty exists to fund the work that brings your home below the Health Canada guideline of 200 Bq/m³.
My possession date was 8 years ago — can I still claim?

No. Tarion's radon coverage runs for 7 years from possession. After that, the radon warranty has expired — even if you have never tested. Test anyway. The radon does not go away because your warranty did, and our guide on what to do above 200 Bq/m³ covers next steps if your result comes back high.

Orders & Refunds

Can I get a refund?

Full refund if you contact us before your kit ships. Once shipped, refunds are not available, but our Follow-Through Guarantee may apply if you complete the process and we cannot deliver a valid result due to a service failure on our end. See our refund policy for details.
What if my kit is lost in shipping?

Contact us at support@radontest.ca. If tracking shows your kit was lost, we’ll send a replacement at no charge.
How do I contact support?

Email us at support@radontest.ca. We typically respond within 1 business day.

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