TL;DR: New federal regulations in Canada now require workplaces to keep radon levels below 200 Bq/m³ to protect employees from lung cancer risks. Professional long-term testing is the only reliable way to ensure your building meets these safety standards and remains compliant.
Radon is often called the "silent killer" because you cannot see, smell, or taste it. For a long time, people thought of radon as a problem only for homeowners with old basements. However, the legal landscape in Canada changed significantly in early 2026. If you own or manage a business, the question isn't just about safety anymore: it is about legal compliance.
New federal laws have lowered the acceptable amount of radon gas allowed in the workplace. This change means many buildings that were once considered "safe" might now be in violation of health and safety codes. Understanding these changes is the first step to keeping your team safe and your business protected.
What Are the New February 2026 Radon Regulations?
The new SOR/2026-10 amendment to the Canada Labour Code officially lowered the radon exposure limit to 200 Bq/m³ for federally regulated workplaces. This regulation was published on February 11, 2026, and it updates the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. Previously, some sectors had much higher or less defined limits, but the new standard is clear and strict. Employers must now ensure that no employee is exposed to an annual average concentration of radon higher than this new limit.
Under the SOR/2026-10 amendment, the government has aligned workplace safety with modern health science. This isn't just a suggestion; it is a legal requirement for many Canadian industries. If your workplace falls under federal jurisdiction, you are now legally responsible for monitoring and controlling these levels.
Even if you aren't a federal employer, these rules often set the tone for provincial safety boards. When federal standards become stricter, provincial regulators like WorkSafeBC or WSIB often follow suit shortly after. Staying ahead of these changes now can prevent future legal headaches and costly retrofits later.
Why Did the Radon Exposure Limit Change?
Health Canada and international health organizations lowered the limit because radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Scientific studies have shown that even moderate levels of radon exposure over a long period can significantly increase cancer risks. The new 200 Bq/m³ limit is designed to minimize these long-term health hazards for Canadian workers. By lowering the limit, the government aims to reduce the thousands of radon-related lung cancer cases diagnosed each year.
Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It seeps into buildings through cracks in foundations, construction joints, and gaps around pipes. Because buildings are often tightly sealed for energy efficiency, the gas gets trapped and builds up to dangerous levels. You can learn more about the mechanics of this gas in our guide on how radon testing protects your family.
In a workplace, employees spend eight or more hours a day breathing the same air. If that air is contaminated with radon, the cumulative exposure over a 20-year career is massive. The new regulations recognize that the workplace is a significant source of life-long exposure. Reducing the limit from 800 Bq/m³ (which was common in some industrial sectors) to 200 Bq/m³ is a massive leap forward for worker protection.
Does Your Workplace Need Testing?
If your business is federally regulated: such as a bank, telecommunications company, or interprovincial transport hub: you likely need to test your building immediately. The law specifically targets employers covered by the Canada Labour Code. However, any building with ground-contact rooms or basement offices should be tested to ensure general duty of care for employees. Testing is the only way to know if your air quality meets the new 200 Bq/m³ standard.
Federally regulated sectors include:
- Banks and financial institutions.
- Radio and television broadcasting.
- Air, rail, and maritime transportation.
- Federal Crown corporations.
- Telecommunications providers.
If you operate in these industries, your workplace safety testing protocols must now include radon. Ignoring these levels can lead to fines, increased insurance premiums, and potential lawsuits if an employee develops health issues later. Beyond the legal risk, providing a healthy environment is known to improve office productivity and employee retention.
How Does Professional Radon Testing Work?
The gold standard for radon testing is a 3-month long-term test using small sensors called alpha-track detectors. Radon levels fluctuate wildly based on the weather, the time of day, and how your HVAC system is running. A short-term test (2–7 days) only gives you a snapshot and is often inaccurate for compliance. A long-term test provides an "annual average," which is exactly what the new SOR/2026-10 regulations require for reporting.
During a professional assessment, an industrial hygiene consultant will visit your site to place detectors in the right spots. These are usually small, plastic pucks that don't make noise or require power. They sit quietly on a wall or shelf for 90 days, collecting data on radioactive particles. After three months, the devices are sent to a certified lab for analysis.
This 90-day window is critical because it captures the variability of the gas. For example, radon levels are often higher in the winter when the ground is frozen and the building's "stack effect" pulls more gas from the soil. A professional will ensure the timing and placement of these sensors follow Health Canada's strict protocols, ensuring your results are legally defensible.
Why Hire an Industrial Hygiene Consultant?
Hiring a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) ensures your testing is unbiased, scientifically accurate, and compliant with the Canada Labour Code. While you can buy DIY kits online, they often lack the professional chain-of-custody required for legal documentation. A consultant knows exactly where to place sensors to avoid "dead zones" or areas of high air flow that could skew your results. They provide a comprehensive report that can be shown to regulators or insurance providers as proof of safety.
At Built Environments Canada, we specialize in helping businesses navigate these new rules. We don't just drop off a kit; we analyze your building's science. We look at your ventilation systems, foundation type, and occupancy patterns. This holistic approach ensures that if a problem is found, we can help you find the most cost-effective way to fix it.
Professional reporting also gives your employees peace of mind. When a third-party expert signs off on the air quality, it builds trust. If levels are high, we provide clear, unbiased advice on mitigation strategies, such as sub-slab depressurization or HVAC adjustments. Our goal is to make your workspace safe without unnecessary spending.
What Should You Do If Radon Levels Are High?
If your test results come back above 200 Bq/m³, the law requires you to implement controls or mitigation to lower the annual average exposure. This usually involves a process called active soil depressurization, where a fan is used to pull the gas from under the building and vent it safely outside. In many commercial buildings, adjusting the "make-up air" in the HVAC system can also significantly dilute radon concentrations.
Don't panic if your initial results are high. High radon is a very fixable problem. Most mitigation systems can be installed quickly and are very effective at bringing levels down well below the 200 Bq/m³ limit. Once the system is in place, follow-up testing is performed to confirm that the air is now safe.
The key is to act before the deadline. With the new 2026 regulations now in effect, waiting until an inspector shows up is a risky strategy. Proactive testing shows that you are a responsible employer who prioritizes the long-term health of your staff.
Get a Professional Radon Assessment Today
Are you unsure if your building meets the new federal standards? Don't leave your compliance to chance. At Built Environments Canada, we provide expert industrial hygiene consulting to help you navigate the 2026 radon regulations.
Get a Quote or Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation
We will help you determine if your building is at risk, coordinate your 3-month testing phase, and provide the certified reporting you need for peace of mind.
Key Takeaways
- New Limits: The federal radon limit is now 200 Bq/m³ as of February 2026 (SOR/2026-10).
- Target Groups: This applies to all federally regulated workplaces but sets a standard for all Canadian businesses.
- Gold Standard Testing: You must use 3-month long-term testing to get the annual average required by law.
- Health Risk: Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer; testing protects your team's long-term health.
- Professional Help: Using a Certified Industrial Hygienist ensures your results are accurate and legally defensible.