Radon Mapping Methodology

The company based its core methodology on the USGS approach to the development of the Geologic Radon Potential Map of the United States. 

Several data sets common to both Canada and the US were identified. The relationship of these datasets to the three radon potential classes in the US was evaluated. Geology, geophysics and geochemical survey information was available for both countries. Not all surveys covered all of Canada, but all of Canada was covered by at least one of the information types.

Geological units form the basic framework for the Canadian radon potential map. It is the geology that largely controls the amount of uranium present in any given location, and therefore the radon.

GIS processing was used to evaluate each rock unit contained in the geology dataset with respect to its US Radon Potential Classification, its uranium geochemistry, and its radiometric geophysical response.

These three major parameters were then used to classify the Canadian landmass.

The final step was to select messaging to accompany the map that would best illustrate radon as a national hazard and reinforce the need to test across the country regardless of zone. To accomplish this challenge, we defined the risk in each zone as relative, leaving out references to predictive average readings. Next we further defined the three zones by a corresponding human alert level. Finally, we reinforced the need to test for radon, regardless of region or zone.

The completed map allows radon risk to be better assessed and predicted over the extensive Canadian landmass.

Once the Radon Potential Map of Canada was completed, a logical next stage was merging it with the US Geological Survey radon map to create the first continental picture. The result is a seamless fit of the two maps, which validates the mapping methodology employed by Radon Environmental’s team of professional geoscientists.

Map license & methodology

Download the mapping methodology and license.