SRD OFFERS FREE RADON TEST KITS TO RESIDENTS
SRD has partnered with Take Action On Radon to protect residents from lung cancer by participating in the National 100 Radon Test Kit Challenge.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU TESTED YOUR HOME FOR RADON: SRD OFFERS FREE TEST KITS TO RESIDENTS
(Campbell River, BC) – The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) has teamed up with Take Action on Radon to help protect residents from lung cancer by joining the National 100 Radon Test Kit Challenge.
Too few Canadians are aware that the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers can be found right in their own homes. Radon gas is a concern across Canada, but only a radon test will indicate whether the levels in your home are a health concern to you and your family.
Residents across the Strathcona Region are encouraged to protect their health this winter by participating in the 100 Radon Test Kit Challenge and testing their homes for radon. This free program includes a Radon Virtual Information Session on Monday, November 25th, which will cover the health risks of radon, why it’s a concern in the region, and Health Canada’s recommendations for homeowners. Free test kits will be provided to 100 households, with details shared during the session. Results will be confidentially shared with each homeowner. A summary report, highlighting any community concerns and trends based on factors like building age, will be provided to the Regional District without identifying individual homes.
“The 100 Radon Test Kit Challenge is a fantastic opportunity to support families throughout the region as they work to protect their health,” said Strathcona Regional District Board Chair, Mark Baker. “Over the past few years, we’ve all gained a deeper understanding of the importance of air quality, and radon gas is a crucial part of that discussion.”
“Radon is a well-established human carcinogen and testing and reducing radon levels is an important method of lung cancer prevention,” said Dr. Anne-Marie Nicol, a researcher from the Faculty of Sciences from Simon Fraser University. “Residential radon is marked as Canadians’ primary exposure to radon; preventing radon exposure will reduce the number of Canadians dying of lung cancer.”
According to Pam Warkentin, Executive Director of Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (CARST) and Project Manager for Take Action on Radon, many Canadians are aware of radon gas but have not yet tested their homes. Whether it’s your first time hearing about radon or a familiar topic, if you haven’t tested your home yet, now is the perfect opportunity to do so. For those who have tested in the past, CARST recommends re-testing every 3 to 5 years to ensure continued safety.
All participants must have access to a computer and a valid email address. A free radon virtual information session will take place on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 7:30 pm via Zoom. A link to join the session will be emailed directly to all registrants. Radon test kits must be picked up between November 26 and 29. Pick-up locations are available throughout the region, and instructions with location details will be emailed to the first 100 participants who register.
Funding for this project is provided by Health Canada.
Participants can register below>.
About Take Action on Radon
Take Action on Radon is a national initiative that works to bring together radon stakeholders and raise radon awareness across Canada. The initiative is led by the Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (CARST) and the Canadian Cancer Society.
To learn more about radon and how to test your home, visit: www.TakeActionOnRadon.ca
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Media Contact:
Pam Warkentin – Take Action on Radon, Project Manager
info@takeactiononradon.ca | 204-798-9649
High-quality, free photos to accompany this press release can be downloaded from: https://pixabay.com/users/takeactiononradon-18149510/