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Kingston – During Radon Action Month, KFL&A Public Health is encouraging residents to test their homes for radon.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers, responsible for nearly 16 percent of lung cancer deaths in Ontario — approximately 850 fatalities annually. Radon is a colorless, odourless and tasteless radioactive gas that naturally occurs from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. The best time to test your home for radon is during the winter months when windows and doors remain closed. Radon testing is simple and inexpensive.
“The risk of developing lung cancer from radon exposure primarily depends on three factors: the radon level in the home, the duration of exposure and smoking habits,” said Erin VanZuylen, public health promoter at KFL&A Public Health.
In a 2018-2019 Radon Testing Study, KFL&A Public Health found that over 21 percent of homes in the region had radon levels exceeding Health Canada’s recommended guideline of 200 Becquerels per cubic metre (200 Bq/m³), and 52 percent of homes surpassed the World Health Organization’s threshold of 100 Bq/m³. To effectively reduce radon levels, Health Canada recommends hiring a certified professional through the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP).
For more information or to learn where to purchase a radon test, visit kflaph.ca/Radon.
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For interviews, contact:
Communications@kflaph.ca
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