Radon Levels in the Fraser Valley: What Homeowners Need to Know

The Fraser Valley — encompassing Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Langley, Mission, Hope, and surrounding communities — has a varied radon profile. Some areas have elevated risk while others are lower, but Health Canada’s advice is clear: every home should test regardless of location.

What the Data Shows for Fraser Valley

BC’s radon map data shows:

• Chilliwack and Hope sit closer to the BC Interior geology, which is associated with higher radon concentrations. These communities have a higher proportion of homes exceeding 200 Bq/m³.
• Abbotsford shows moderate risk, consistent with broad Fraser Valley patterns.
• Langley and Maple Ridge generally show lower risk than interior communities, but exceptions are common — geology varies block-to-block.
• White Rock near the coast tends toward lower levels but is not risk-free.

The key message: averages don’t protect individual homes. The only way to know your home’s radon level is to test.

Which Homes Are Most at Risk?

Radon risk is influenced by geology and building construction:

• Older homes (pre-2000) rarely have radon-resistant construction
• Homes with basements have more contact with soil and therefore more radon entry points
• Homes with crawlspaces — especially exposed soil — can have very high concentrations
• Slab-on-grade homes are not immune; radon enters through any crack or joint

When Should You Test?

Test during the heating season — October through April — when windows and doors are closed and radon accumulates. A 91-day alpha track test is most accurate.

Real estate buyers should insist on a short-term radon test as a condition of purchase.

What Happens After Testing?

• Under 100 Bq/m³ — No action required. Retest in 2–5 years.
• 100–200 Bq/m³ — Consider mitigation, especially if there are children or smokers in the home.
• Over 200 Bq/m³ — Health Canada recommends mitigation within 2 years (within 1 year if over 600 Bq/m³).

BC Radon Control installs mitigation systems throughout the Fraser Valley. Contact us for a free quote.