Media Release (Orangeville) - Public Health encourages residents to test their homes for radon gas

November 5, 2018: Radon gas is found in all homes, and approvimately 15% of homes in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph have unsafe levels. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health is hosting a radon and lung cancer information session on Thursday, November 8 at the Alder Street Recreation Centre in Orangeville.

WDG Public Health and Health Canada representatives will be available to answer questions at this free, drop-in event from 5-7 p.m.

Kits to test your home for radon will be available to purchase at the session for the discounted price of 35 dollars. During the month of November, discounted test kits can also be purchased online at www.wdgpublichealth.ca/radon.

Radon is linked to 16% of lung cancer deaths in Canada. A naturally occurring gas, radon seeps into buildings from the soil and builds up to dangerous levels in many homes in Canada. It is colourless, odourless and tasteless, so unless you test for it you won’t know if your home has a high level of radon that is putting you at an increased risk of lung cancer.

Testing for radon is easy and inexpensive. You can buy an approved do-it-yourself radon test kit or hire a certified radon professional. Radon testing should occur in the winter, over a minimum of three months. If the test indicates your home has a high level of radon, you can take steps to fix your home to reduce your family’s risk of lung cancer.

Media Contact
Chuck Ferguson, Communications Manager
1-800-265-7293 ext. 4374
chuck.ferguson@wdgpublichealth.ca