Electrifying Your Home ?
Electrical heating systems are being implemented by many Canadians, and people all over the world. People want to become more “green” and reduce their carbon
Radon Testing in Toronto
Environmental Services Group is an environmental consulting firm with experienced professionals who perform testing for radon in the GTA and beyond.
Toronto and Area’s Asbestos, Indoor Air Quality and Mold Inspection Professionals
Environmental Services Group is an environmental consulting firm with experienced professionals who perform testing for radon in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and beyond.
Speak with a Radon Testing Specialist. Call us for Radon Testing Services. In Toronto, call 416.575.6111 for a free consultation!
What is Radon?
You can’t see radon. And you can’t smell it or taste it. But it may be a problem in your home or business. Radon is estimated to cause many thousands of deaths each year. That’s because when you breathe air containing radon, you can get lung cancer. In fact, Health Canada, the Canadian Lung Association and the Surgeon General of the United States have warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in North America – only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths.
Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon can be found all over the U.S. and Canada. Outside it poses little threat since it disperses into the air. However, it can get into any type of building – homes, offices, and schools – and result in a high indoor radon level. You are more likely to receive the most exposure at home, as that is where that majority of people spend the most time.
How Does Radon Get into a Building?
Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into a building through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Any building may have a radon problem. This means new and old buildings, well-sealed and draughty buildings, and buildings and homes with or without basements. Radon from soil gas is the main cause of radon problems. Sometimes radon enters the home through well water. In a small number of buildings, the building materials can give off radon, too. However, building materials rarely cause radon problems by themselves.
Radon gets inside through:
- Cracks in solid floors
- Construction joints
- Cracks in walls
- Gaps in suspended floors
- Gaps around service pipes
- Cavities inside walls
- The water supply
Residential and Commercial Radon Testing Services
There are two general ways to test for radon:
Short Term Testing
If you are in a hurry we can test a building with short term testing methods. Short-term tests remain in the location for two days to 90 days, depending on the device. A short-term test followed by a second short-term test may be used to decide whether more appropriate action needs to be undertaken.
Long Term Testing
If you are not in an immediate hurry we can also offer long term tests. Long-term tests remain in the building for more than 90 days. “Alpha track” and “Electret” detectors are commonly used for this type of testing. A long-term test will give you a reading that is more likely to tell you the year-round average radon level than a short-term test.
Speak with a Radon Testing Specialist. Call us for Radon Testing Services. In Toronto, call 416.575.6111. Free consultation.
