Information Update - Health Canada reminds homeowners to protect their families by testing for radon gas

OTTAWA, Nov. 2, 2015 /CNW/ - Exposure to radon in indoor air is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canadians and is the leading cause in non-smokers. Health Canada estimates that each year more than 3,200 lung cancer deaths among Canadians are attributable to radon exposure, which is 16 per cent of all lung cancer deaths. November is Radon Action Month and Health Canada is encouraging Canadians to test their homes for radon.

Issue:
Radon is a radioactive gas found in the soil and rocks around and beneath your home.  It enters your home through cracks and gaps in foundation floors and walls.  Although you can't see it, smell it or taste it, radon can be an issue in all types of homes and buildings whether they are new or old, with or without basements. 

What you should do:
All homes have some level of radon, the only way to know how much is to test.  You can purchase a simple and inexpensive do-it-yourself test kit online, at a hardware store or local community health organization, or you can hire a certified radon professional to conduct the test for you.  Long-term testing for a minimum of three months is recommended and should start in the fall when windows and doors are closed.

If the radon level in your home is over the Government of Canada Radon Guideline (200 becquerels/metre³), it can be fixed easily and at a reasonable cost. Techniques to lower radon levels are effective and can save lives. Radon levels in most homes can be reduced by more than 80% for about the same cost as other common home repairs such as replacing a furnace or air conditioner. Talk to a certified radon professional to determine the best and most cost effective way to reduce the radon level in your home.

What Health Canada is doing:
During National Radon Action Month, the Government of Canada is working with partners to raise awareness and inform Canadians about the simple actions they can take to reduce their risk from radon exposure.

For more information, visit the Health Canada website or www.TakeActiononRadon.ca/test.

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SOURCE Health Canada

Media Enquiries: Health Canada, [phone]; Public Enquiries: [phone], 1-866 225-0709