Mike Holmes Asks Ontario Residents to Push for Mandatory Radon Testing

TORONTO, June 29, 2016 /CNW/ - Mike Holmes is asking all Ontario residents to support mandatory radon testing on all basement rental units, and for Premier Wynne to incorporate it into the Residential Tenancy Act.

Mike Holmes has worked in the building trades for over 30 years, helping improve the quality, livability and safety of homes.

"I've been doing this for a really long time," states Mike Holmes. "One thing I've learned is that sometimes it's the things you can't see that end up causing the most harm—things like radon."

According to The Lung Association, Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Approximately 850 people die in Ontario every year due to radon.

Basement rental units are more susceptible to accumulating high levels of radon because radon is a heavy gas, and as such, it tends to collect in the lower levels of a home, such as the basement. The only way to know if a home or rental unit has a radon problem is to test for it.

Currently in Ontario there is no obligation for landlords or homeowners to test for radon; however, Ontario recently opened for consultation updates to the Residential Tenancies Act, which could make it mandatory to test for radon gas in basement rental units. Ontario residents wishing to support this change must send their message of support to [email protected] by June 30^th, 2016.

"Radon testing protects people—it's that simple," added Holmes. "I am asking all Ontarians to push for this change to the Residential Tenancy Act and make radon testing mandatory on all basement rental units. This is something we can do and we can save lives. Let's make it right."

ABOUT MIKE HOLMES
Mike Holmes is a professional contractor and the host and creator of the hit TV series Holmes on Homes, Holmes Inspection and Holmes Makes It Right. He is also the host of the recent hit TV series HOME FREE on FOX. Mike has been named the 2nd Most Trusted Canadian by Reader's Digest, Forbes' 3rd Most Trustworthy Celebrity and the 8th Most Trusted Public Name in America. After working in the building and renovation industry for more than 20 years, Mike Holmes was asked to develop and host his first television series, Holmes on Homes, which became an international success and broke ratings records, solidifying Mike's career in television. With more than 30 years' experience as a licensed contractor, Mike Holmes is able to use television as a tool to help educate homeowners—from how to manage a renovation, to what to look for in contractors, the right products for the right job, as well as proper home repair and maintenance.

SOURCE Mike Holmes Inspections

MEDIA CONTACT: Amanda Heath, The Holmes Group, [email protected], 647.253.0300 ext. 410