RADON TEST DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM WITH THE NEW BRUNSWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICE
RPC is a local trusted reliable source of laboratory testing. We perform radon testing in our in-house analytical laboratory, which leads to faster turnaround times for test results, immediate access to detailed information about your test, and access to RPC’s highly trained radon analysts from beginning to end.
RPC is Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) certified.
FAQs
What is radon?
Radon is an invisible, odorless and tasteless radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. Radon gas can enter a home very easily through cracks in foundation floors and walls, gaps around service pipes (sewer, water lines), floor drains and non-sealed sump pits. Too much radon can have a negative impact on your health.
Who has radon?
Radon can be found throughout New Brunswick. According to historical data one in four homes is susceptible to radon concentrations above the 200 Bq/m3 guideline recommended by Health Canada. Each home is also unique with different pathways for radon to enter and exit as well as differences in occupant lifestyles.
Why test?
Exposure to high levels of radon gas can lead to an increased risk of developing lung cancer.*
Radon can be found in almost every building in Canada and the levels can vary greatly from home to home.* Testing for radon is affordable and can give you peace of mind to know your family is safe from exposure, and since you can't see, smell or taste it, the only way to know if the air in your home has high radon concentrations is to test for it!
When is the best time to test?
To get the most accurate radon testing results, we suggest deploying a radon detector during the colder months when your home is closed-up for the heating season.
Where should I place the test?
Highest radon concentrations are most likely to occur in basements and lower floors, therefore, we suggest the sample should be collected in the normal occupancy area (an area that is occupied for more than 4 hours per day) of the lowest occupied/finished level of the building. The instructions in your radon test kit will walk you through steps to determine the best area to place the test.
IDEAL MEASUREMENT LOCATIONS:
Family rooms
Living rooms
Dens
Playrooms
Offices
Bedrooms
ROOMS TO AVOID:
Kitchens
Laundry rooms
Bathrooms
Storage rooms
Why RPC?
With decades of experience in air quality testing, RPC is a local trusted reliable source of laboratory testing. We perform testing in our in-house analytical laboratory, which leads to faster turnaround times for test results, immediate access to detailed information about your test, and access to RPC’s highly trained radon analysts from beginning to end.
✔ RPC is Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) certified.
✔ RPC's quality management system is certified to ISO 9001:2015.
How do I get started?
Pickup your radon test kit from your local library at no cost (supplies may be limited).
How do I test?
Testing is as simple as following three steps: SET, WAIT, and RETURN.
SET: The radon detector can be easily self-deployed in minutes! We suggest placing the radon detector on the lowest occupied level of your home. Follow the instructions that came with your radon kit to help determine the best place for it in your home. These instructions can also be found here. You can also register the start of your radon kit here.
WAIT: Once the detector is set-up it must remain untouched in your dwelling for a minimum of 3 months to get an accurate reading of the level of radon. Ideally this would include the cold weather heating season. Detectors can be deployed for up to 12 months.
RETURN: After at least 3 months, return the radon detector sample with completed paperwork to your local library using the resealable foil bag provided. You can also register the end of your radon kit here. Results will be available within 4 to 6 weeks of delivery to the library.
I tested, now what?
Your results will be available within 4 to 6 weeks of the library receiving your returned radon detector sample. Your report will indicate the concentration of radon measured by the detector. If your test meets or exceeds the Canadian guideline of 200 Bq/m3 remediation is recommended. Remediation can be economical and easy to accomplish. We recommend you contact a certified radon mitigation professional for advice on how to effectively decrease the amount radon in your home.
Re-Testing Your Home
Follow-up radon testing may be necessary in some cases. Health Canada recommends individuals re-test their home the next heating season in the following situations:
After any renovation that affects the structure or ventilation of the home (for example renovating the basement, installing a new furnace, etc)
After energy retrofits to the home to make it more energy efficient (installation of new windows, insulation, sealing, etc).
After any excavation or earthwork near the foundation of the home (replacing a septic tank, exterior waterproofing, installing drainage systems).
If the basement or main floor was not tested and has since become the lowest lived-in level of the home.
After any radon mitigation system is installed to ensure correct operation.
NOTE: the home should be tested every 5 years to ensure the system is continuing to function as intended.In a newly built home, 2 years after year of construction; note that the home should still be tested the first heating season after occupancy.
REGISTER YOUR RADON TEST KIT
START RADON TESTING
Register your test kit to begin your radon testing.
END RADON TESTING
Upon completion, enter the end date and return radon test to your local library.
Industrial Hygiene Laboratory
Tel: 506.452.1212
Toll Free: 1.800.563.0844
radon@rpc.ca
This program is available to New Brunswick residents and brought to you by the Government of New Brunswick and the New Brunswick Public Library Service.
