Radon Gas and Indoor Air Quality Testing in Homes and Offices

When most people think about indoor air quality (IAQ), they think about humidity, mould, or ventilation — but few realize that radon gas can be one of the most dangerous and invisible contaminants in the home or workplace.

What is Radon Gas?

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas produced from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It moves upward through the ground and can seep into buildings through cracks in foundations, sump pits, or openings around pipes. Because it is both invisible and odourless, the only way to know if your building has elevated radon levels is through testing.

According to Health Canada, long-term exposure to high levels of radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in Canada! The national guideline recommends taking corrective action in any building where averaged radon concentrations exceed 200 Bq/m³.

How Envirotrak Tests for Radon

At Envirotrak Analytics, we provide certified radon and indoor air quality testing services for homes, offices, and public buildings throughout the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding regions. Our testing approach aligns fully with Health Canada’s Radon Testing Guidelines (2025) and C-NRPP Quality Assurance protocols.

Our process typically includes two phases:

1. Short-Term Screening Test

We begin with a short-term radon test to determine whether radon levels are high enough to justify a long-term follow-up. These preliminary tests help verify if your property shows early signs of radon infiltration and can be completed within a matter of days.

If results indicate elevated radon concentrations, we then move to the second stage.

2. Long-Term Measurement or Continuous Monitoring

As per Health Canada and for more accurate results over time, we perform long-term testing using continuous electronic radon monitors (ERMs) that are C-NRPP approved and meet Canadian measurement standards. These devices log hourly data and provide detailed profiles of radon fluctuations that are averaged over time, about 91 days or more in some cases.

Envirotrak does offer continuous remote radon monitoring using cellular or LoRaWAN-enabled ERM devices — ideal for commercial buildings, property managers, or government facilities that require automated, real-time datacollection and trend reporting. This networked monitoring ensures reliable long-term verification and compliance documentation.

Why Professional Radon Testing Matters

Do-it-yourself test kits are widely available but require lab analysis, however, professional testing ensures:

1. Proper device calibration and placement, as required by Health Canada and C-NRPP protocols

2. Validated data quality and traceable accuracy

3. Detailed analytical reporting to guide mitigation decisions

4. Integration with IAQ testing for other pollutants such as CO2, VOCs, and humidity

Envirotrak’s certified technicians conduct radon gas testing under the same standards followed in Health Canada’s “Guide for Radon Measurements in Homes” (2025) and “Radon Guidance for Public Buildings” (2023).

Envirotrak’s certified technicians conduct testing under the same standards followed in Health Canada’s “Guide for Radon Measurements in Homes” (2025) and “Radon Guidance for Public Buildings” (2023).

Take Action Today!

Radon levels can vary significantly from one building to another — even within the same neighbourhood. Testing is the only way to know if you’re protected.

Envirotrak Analytics Ltd. provides:

• Certified Radon Gas Testing

• Short-Term and Long-Term Measurement

• Continuous Cellular or LoRaWAN ERM Monitoring

• Full Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Testing and Analysis

We’re Certified Indoor Air Quality Test Technicians and Certified Infrared Moisture Surveyors, serving homeowners, offices, and public facilities across the Toronto GTA.

✅ Book a professional Radon and IAQ assessment today at envirotrak.ca

When the Air Feels “Heavy”: How High Humidity Hurts Indoor Air Quality (and How to Fix It)

Why Humidity Matters

Relative humidity (RH) is more than a comfort factor—it’s a cornerstone of indoor air quality. When RH levels rise above 50–60%, homes and offices become breeding grounds for mould, bacteria, and dust mites. Health Canada and ASHRAE emphasize that excess humidity doesn’t just make a space feel muggy—it directly contributes to poor IAQ and health problems.

Indoor Air Problems Linked to High Humidity

• Mould Growth: Damp drywall, carpets, or insulation can quickly host mould colonies. Some moulds produce allergens or even mycotoxins that aggravate asthma, allergies, and respiratory conditions.

• Musty Odours & Staining: Persistent dampness leads to odours, peeling paint, and warped wood surfaces.

• Allergic & Respiratory Issues: Occupants exposed to mould and dampness often report coughing, wheezing, throat irritation, and worsening of asthma.

• Building Damage: Excess humidity can weaken structural materials, corrode metal, and promote rot.

Why Offices and Homes Are Vulnerable

• Sealed, Energy-Efficient Buildings: Tightly sealed spaces trap moisture indoors if ventilation isn’t properly managed.

• Everyday Activities: Cooking, showering, and even breathing add litres of water vapor into the air daily.

• HVAC Issues: Poorly maintained systems may recirculate moisture instead of removing it.

Solutions: How to Take Control of Humidity

1. Keep RH Between 30–50% ✅

   • Use a hygrometer to track indoor humidity.

   • Dehumidifiers are effective in basements and damp areas.

2. Ventilation is Key ✅

   • Install and use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens that vent outside—not into the attic or wall cavity, which is against building code standards.

   • Consider heat recovery or energy recovery ventilators (HRVs/ERVs) for modern, airtight buildings.

3. Moisture Source Control ✅

   • Repair plumbing leaks immediately.

   • Ensure eavestroughs and downspouts direct water away from the foundation.

   • Improve grading so water drains away from the building.

4. Regular Maintenance ✅

   • Clean and maintain HVAC systems, especially drip pans and humidifiers.

   • Use moisture-resistant finishes in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas.

5. Professional Help for Persistent Issues ✅

   • If mould is visible or suspected behind walls, hire qualified IAQ professionals.

   • Certified technicians can conduct moisture surveys, microbial sampling, and remediation verification.

Final Takeaway

High humidity is often overlooked until it becomes a problem—but by the time you smell musty odours or see visible mould, damage has already started. Keeping your indoor RH in the healthy range (30–50%) is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your health, comfort, and property.

👉 If you’re concerned about indoor humidity and air quality, Envirotrak Analytics Ltd. provides certified moisture surveys, certified indoor air quality testing, and professional reporting so you can take action before issues escalate.

Sealed In and Stuffy: The Hidden Air Problems of Tight Homes

Energy efficiency has become the gold standard in modern home design. Builders and homeowners alike are sealing up cracks, upgrading insulation, and installing high-performance windows to lock in comfort and lock out wasted energy. On paper, it’s a win for both your wallet and the environment.

But here’s the twist: a home can actually be too efficient. When your house is sealed too tightly, you may end up trading lower utility bills for stale, unhealthy air.

When Fresh Air Can’t Get In

Older homes were drafty by design. Gaps around doors, windows, and walls may have wasted energy, but they also let in a steady supply of outdoor air. In today’s “tight” homes, natural ventilation is limited, and that can mean trouble.

Without enough fresh air, indoor pollutants build up quickly:

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂) from everyday breathing leaves the air feeling stuffy and heavy.

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), released from paints, furniture, and cleaners, linger longer and in higher concentrations.

• Moisture and mould thrive in sealed spaces with poor airflow.

• Dust, pet dander, and allergens circulate endlessly without proper filtration.

• Radon gas, a natural radioactive gas that seeps in from the ground, can accumulate to unsafe levels, which can cause severe health issues.

The result? A home that looks spotless and efficient from the outside but feels stale and sometimes even unhealthy on the inside.

How It Affects You and Your Family

Poor indoor air quality doesn’t always show up as an obvious problem. Instead, it sneaks into your daily life: the morning headaches, the mid-afternoon fatigue, or the worsening of allergies and asthma. Over time, these exposures may increase risks for more serious health issues like cardiovascular disease or chronic respiratory problems.

As Health Canada and ASHRAE (leading indoor air quality standard-setting body) both remind us: efficiency should never come at the expense of breathable, healthy indoor air.

Striking the Right Balance

The good news? You don’t need to choose between efficiency and fresh air—you can have both. Here’s how:

• Bring in fresh air, the smart way. Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) let outdoor air in while conserving energy.

• Control moisture. Keep humidity between 30–50% to discourage mould while maintaining comfort.

• Filter what you can’t see. Upgrade to a higher-efficiency furnace filter (MERV 13 if possible) or add portable HEPA purifiers in bedrooms and living areas.

• Test and monitor. A radon test kit is a must for every Canadian home. Indoor air sensors can also track humidity, CO₂, and pollutant levels in real time.

• Be mindful of pollutants. Store paints and solvents in the garage, choose low-emission furniture and finishes, and have appliances serviced regularly.

Breathe Easy in Your Tight Home

A tightly sealed home doesn’t have to mean poor air quality. With the right ventilation and clean-air practices, you can enjoy both lower energy bills and a healthier living space.

At Envirotrak Analytics Ltd., we help homeowners identify, monitor, and solve indoor air quality challenges—so your home can be both energy-smart and safe for every breath you take.