Frequently Asked Questions
Detectors
How many detectors should I buy?
Generally, one radon detector is sufficient to test an average home. The number of detectors needed will vary however, based on the type of structure being tested and how it is used. Not sure? Contact us by email to discuss.
What is included in the price of the detector?
The price includes:
cost of the detector, all laboratory fees and professional analysis.
Return mailing envelope with lab address (postage NOT paid)
Prices are in CDN.
Test results will be sent to the email address provided when you register your detector.
Is return shipping to the lab included?
No. We include a return mailing envelope, postage is not prepaid. Please use a trackable shipping service when returning your detector to the lab.
What do I do when I receive the detector, what is the process?
The Radtrak and Rapidos Alpha Track detectors will arrive with their own unique instruction sheet, and return envelope.
When you are ready to start testing, remove the detector from the plastic wrap and place it where you want to test. Follow the instructions to register your detector with radonline.com. Note: the detector will stay in this location for the entire testing period.
When you have finished testing, log back in to radonline.com and update your testing information.
Mail your detector to the lab. (please use a trackable shipping service when returning your detector to the lab.)
When ready, your report will be available for download using your login at radonline.com. You will also receive a copy of your report to your email address.
Where is my detector number?
The detector number is the number located on the bottom of your detector. (xxxxxx-x)
Where should I place the detector in my home?
Place at least one test in the lowest area of the home used on a regular basis. For example, a family room, recreational room or bedroom. Health Canada recommends testing in the lowest lived-in level of your home where you spend more than four hours per day. Click here for additional do’s and don’ts.
Place the test kit on a shelf or table against an interior wall that is free from ventilation sources like vents or air returns.
Keep the test at least three feet away from all windows, doorways, and exterior walls. Placing the test in a draft or near a window introduces too much fresh air to accurately measure your indoor air levels.
Going in and out of the house won't hurt, but for short term measurements, keep windows closed during the test period for accurate readings.
Will the detector still be reading while it is being sent to the lab? Surely this will affect my results?
Our lab professionals use specialized algorithms to ensure accurate analysis based on the testing start and end date you provided online through RadOnline. The average radon picked up during transport is part of the calculation.
My Continuous Radon Monitor is measuring in Pci/l, how do I change it to bq/m3?
Factory default settings are in Pci/l, you can change the measurement to bq/m3 under your app settings.
Please send us an email if you are having any trouble
General
I didn’t receive my report yet, who do I contact?
Please allow time for your detector to arrive to the lab and track your package to confirm delivery.
Lab analysis processing time is 1-2 weeks.
Login to radonline.com using your login credentials and check if your report is available for download.
Check your SPAM and JUNK email folders for an email from: customerservice@radonova.com OR automation@sendgrid.radonova.com
Still nothing? No problem, contact us by email we will followup with the lab for your report.
I have lost my return envelope, what should I do?
No problem. Here is a link to print a pre-addressed label.
Simply print the label, attach it to your own package and mail it to the lab.
Don’t forget to use a trackable shipping service to the lab in order to confirm delivery.
Where is the laboratory located?
Radonova Laboratories, Suite 200 - 1 East 22nd Street, Lombard IL, 60148 USA
I lost my detector, can you send me a replacement?
We do not send complimentary replacement detectors when detectors are lost, misplaced or accidentally broken but we would be happy to process another order for you.
I want to cancel my order, is this possible?
If your item has not been shipped you may cancel your order for a full refund.
Please contact us by email: info@radoncorp.com to request a cancellation.
Note: if your item has been shipped we cannot cancel your order or issue refunds.
Returns
Can I return my radon detector?
All radon detector and radon fan sales are final.
What is your return policy for BULK orders?
Please Note: Returned BULK orders in their original condition, unopened, are subject to 20% restocking fees. Customer is responsible for return shipping costs.
What is your return policy for building materials?
Radon Guard and Radon Block can be returned, in its original condition, subject to 20% restocking fee. Customer is responsible for return shipping costs.
I still need help, who can I talk to?
Please email info@radoncorp.com and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Radon
What is radon?
Radon is a naturally-occurring, radioactive gas created from the decay of uranium minerals present in rock, soil and water. Indoors, it is not naturally-occurring, you cannot taste, smell or see radon.
Why is radon dangerous?
Radon is radioactive. Outdoors there is little danger because radon is diluted in the open air. Indoors radon is trapped and becomes concentrated in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces resulting in a significant increased health risk, especially lung cancer.
What are the symptoms of radon poisoning?
There are no immediate symptoms to exposure to radon at low, moderate or high levels. Symptoms of illness as a result of radon poisoning include those of lung cancer or stomach cancers. If you are concerned about your health, contact your doctor or health official who is knowledgeable about the effects of radon.
Can you see, taste or smell radon?
No, the only way to know if radon is present in your indoor environment is to test.
Additional Information
Why should I test for radon?
Protect your health! We rely on public health authorities to tell us the right actions to take for our health. The reality is, ultimately we are the ones responsible to take action. We have a duty to protect our indoor air quality for ourselves and everyone who comes into our environment - including pets.
What is the differences between a short-term and long-term radon test?
A short-term radon test is a screening test to get fast results. An example of this is to get an idea how much might be held in escrow for a real estate transaction. A long-term test is recommended in order to make a mitigation decision. Long-term testing is a minimum of three months and will provide an average radon concentration which can be compared to the threshold defined in the national guideline.
How long should I test for?
A long-term test of a minimum of three months is recommended for accuracy. Testing over the heating season is best, when doors and windows are kept closed.
I got my report, what does it mean?
On your report there is a lot of information: detector number(s), location information, and your results. The main bit of information to look at is your Average Radon Concentration. This is the radon level recorded during the time the test kit was deployed. Next to that number there will be a +/- number called the standard deviation. This number is the variance in which your radon level may have fluctuated. It will always be a small number and have little to no impact on your average radon concentration and any decisions on fixing a radon level should be made solely on your average level.
The US and Canada have each set a guideline for exposure to radon. In the US it is 4.0 pCi/l (picocuries per litre). In Canada the radon guideline above when action should be taken is 200 Bq/m3 (becquerels per cubic metre).
I have tested and my radon levels are high, what do I do now?
Not to worry, we are here to help. Please contact us to discuss your results and mitigation options with one of our C-NRPP professionals.
When is the best time to test for radon?
Anytime is a good time to test. The best time is during the winter or heating season when doors and windows are closed. This will give an indication of your environment’s indoor air quality.
How often should I test for radon?
Health Canada recommends radon testing be performed every two years.
Residential testing
When testing a residence there are many factors to consider. How large is the home? How many floors does it have? Are there multiple areas that make ground contact? Which separate rooms are frequented heavily? It is recommended to place a test in the lowest lived in level of the home, any additional level of the home that touches ground, and any rooms that are frequently used and relatively closed off from a main portion of the level being tested. In most instances a test will be placed in the basement, any parts of the home on a slab or above a crawl space, and in any bedrooms, offices, etc. that are separate rooms in the basement or on the level being tested. If you are unsure, contact us to assist you in determining the suitable number of detectors for your residence.
Buildings and schools
We suggest following Health Canada’s Guide for Radon Measurement in Public Buildings.
Always test institutions with the guidance of a C-NRPP certified radon measurement professional.
Multifamily buildings
In multifamily buildings, some regions require certification for testing and protocol in the AARST-NRPP document “Multifamily Building Measurement”, should be followed.
Why do my radon levels change?
Radon is volatile. It is quite normal for radon levels to change up to a factor of 5 (5 times initial reading) within one 24-hour measurement. Radon levels can change because of the following reasons:
Changes in:
Temperature
Pressure
Humidity
Ventilation
As well as other factors such as:
Building insulation
Building foundation
Snowfall
Ice
Rain
Earthquakes
In addition, no radon test is 100% accurate. Radon levels will also change because of the inherent level of uncertainty in each method of measurement.
Can I purchase a 3-pack or bundle and share them with my friends?
The 3-packs are designed to test multiple rooms under one dwelling. The Rapidos-Radtrak2 bundles are designed to provide accurate short term and long-term testing results under one dwelling.
My dog ate my detector, should I be worried?
The good news is there are no harmful chemicals in our detectors that would harm this precious member of your family. We imagine the next few days might be a bit unpleasant for your little one but for peace of mind, please contact your veterinarian for their professional advice.
I have children - where can I put the detector so little hands don’t find it?
Each detector has a small hole at the top so you can pull a string through and hang the device in the air, perfect solution for those curious fingers in your home!
I am interested in purchasing a bulk order. Who should I speak to?
If you would like to purchase more than 25 detectors, please contact our Director of Sales, David Innes, to discuss bulk order options.
How big is the detector?
Our short-term and long-term Alpha Track detectors are about the size of a hockey puck and are very lightweight.
Are the detectors reusable?
The Radtrak2 and Rapidos test kits are designed for one time use only. The lab will not return the detector to you once analysis is complete. Electronic continuous use detectors and monitors are available and can be purchased by visiting our online store.
My detector is still sealed in its package, does my detector expire?
The Alpha Track detectors should be deployed by the date on the plastic wrap. Do not open the detector’s plastic wrap until you are ready to start testing.
Why do you use a lab located in Lombard, IL?
Analysis labs are costly to set up and operate. For this reason, we have one for North America which is centrally located on the North American Continent.
Why should I track my package to the lab?
We strongly recommend you use a trackable shipping service when returning your detector to the lab in order to confirm safe delivery. We are not responsible for the loss or damage of a detector shipped by the customer to the lab.
SHIPPING
When should I expect to receive my online order?
We ship our items through Canada Post via Expedited Parcel. Your estimated delivery time within Canada is 2-10 business days depending on your location. Processing time will vary but our goal is to ship your order within 1-2 business days. Processing and delivery times are estimates and are not guaranteed.
When should I expect to receive my freight order?
All lead-times are estimates and are not guaranteed. We will provide you with a ship date and tracking information so you can track your freight shipment.
How much does it cost to ship to the lab?
As each customer location is different, we are unable to tell you the exact cost to ship your detector to the lab for analysis. An estimate on the shipping cost is between $9 and $15 to the lab. Remember to track your package to the lab, we are not responsible for the loss or damage of a detector shipped by the customer to the lab.
Canada Post did not deliver the package straight to my door, I want my shipping fee reimbursed.
We completely understand your frustration however, we are not responsible for the level of service Canada Post provides to its customers. We do our very best to ensure your package is placed on the quickest, most economical service and request all packages be delivered to our customers front door or community mailbox, unfortunately it is out of our control if Canada Post delivers your package to your local PO instead of your home. If you are unhappy with the level of service Canada Post has provided, please follow up directly with them as we cannot follow up with them on your behalf.
WARRANTY
Is there a warranty?
One year limited warranty.
Radon Environmental warranties our products to the original retail purchaser to be free from defects in material and workmanship except as otherwise provided herein. This warranty is not transferable and is effective from the date or original retail purchase.
Procedures for warranty service:
Contact Radon Environmental by phone at 888 527 4717, or email info@radoncorp.com to receive return authorization. Include with the detector: your name, address, phone number, and description of the problem you are experiencing. All warranty returns must also include a copy of the original purchase receipt showing the date of purchase. Package the product carefully and send postage prepaid to the address above.
Warranty does not cover:
cost of shipping the product to Radon Environmental,
normal wear, scratches or fading of product,
damage caused by abuse, misuse, tampering with the product including the removal of the back cover,
damage caused by failure to follow installation and use directions found in the manual, and
consequential damages, incidental damages or expenses, including damages to property and personal injury.