Alberta is the most heavily tested province in Canada for radon. The 2024 Cross-Canada survey, which covered nearly 20,000 Alberta homes, found that roughly one in six exceeds the national guideline of 200 Bq/m³, in line with the national average. The province's geology, dominated by uranium-bearing sedimentary rock and glacial soils, combined with cold winters that keep homes tightly sealed, creates ideal conditions for radon accumulation.

Typical Mitigation Cost in Alberta

$2,500–$4,000

Above national average

Higher costs reflect complex basement configurations and the need for multi-point systems in many Alberta homes.

•Foundation type: unfinished basement vs. slab-on-grade vs. crawlspace
•Number of suction points required (some Alberta homes need 2–3)
•Pipe routing through finished living spaces or garage
•Local labour rates in Calgary, Edmonton, and rural markets
•Seasonal demand: spring and fall are peak periods for mitigators

Local radon data

How common is high radon in Alberta?

Moderate

1 in 5.6

homes in Alberta have radon above Health Canada's action level of 200 Bq/m³. That's about the same as Canada as a whole (1 in 5.6).

Check your postal code on the radon map

Cities in the 2024 survey

High River1 in 4 homes
Strathmore1 in 4 homes
Edmonton1 in 6 homes
Calgary1 in 6.5 homes
Red Deer1 in 6.7 homes
Lethbridge1 in 7 homes
Canmore1 in 8 homes
Grande Prairie1 in 14 homes

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Frequently Asked Questions: Radon in Alberta

Alberta's geology includes abundant uranium-bearing rock and glacial till that continuously produces radon gas. Cold winters seal homes tightly, preventing natural ventilation, which allows radon to accumulate to higher concentrations indoors.

Radon testing is not legally required in real estate transactions in Alberta. However, buyers increasingly request it as part of home inspections, and REALTORS® across Calgary and Edmonton routinely recommend testing as standard due diligence.

The 2024 Cross-Canada survey puts the typical Alberta home at about 106 Bq/m³, above the national figure of about 85 Bq/m³. About 18% of Alberta homes exceed the 200 Bq/m³ guideline.

Elevated radon has been documented across the province, but communities built over certain geological formations, including parts of Calgary, Red Deer, Grande Prairie, and smaller rural municipalities, tend to show higher averages. Every home should be tested regardless of location.

A standard sub-slab depressurization installation typically takes one full day. More complex configurations, such as finished basements, multiple suction points, or difficult pipe routing, may require two days.

Homes built to the 2020 National Building Code include rough-in provisions for a radon reduction system, but the active fan is not always installed. You should still test a new home and activate the system if levels are elevated.

All professionals listed on RadonFinder.ca hold C-NRPP certification, which is the national standard recognized by Health Canada. Search by city above to find vetted professionals serving your area.

Long-term exposure to radon above 200 Bq/m³ significantly increases your lifetime risk of lung cancer. Health Canada recommends mitigating within two years if levels are 200–600 Bq/m³, and within one year if above 600 Bq/m³.

Radon Resources for Alberta

Tools and guides to help you understand radon risk and take action.

Check your radon risk

Estimate your risk based on province, home age, and foundation type.

Understand your test results

Learn what Bq/m³ means and when action is required.

DIY radon test kits

Compare test kit options starting from $10.

Radon guides & articles

In-depth guides on testing, mitigation, and health risk.

Radon map of Canada

See how common high radon is in your postal code.

Radon FAQ

Answers to the most common questions about radon.