TORONTO, Oct. 31, 2014 /CNW/ - "Get your home tested for radon . . . it could save your life."
That's the no-nonsense message from Canada's most trusted contractor, Mike Holmes, in a new media campaign warning Canadians about the dangers of household radon contamination.
The star of the HGTV series Holmes Makes It Right has teamed up with The Lung Association, Health Canada and the Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists to produce television and radio public service announcements that will be broadcast nationwide starting in November during national Lung Month.
Exposure to colourless, odourless radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in the ground. It can seep into homes, workplaces and other buildings through cracks in the walls or foundation. Virtually every house in Canada contains some radon.
"The only way to know if your home has a radon problem is to test for it," says Mike Holmes, whose home inspection company, Mike Holmes Inspections, conducts radon testing. "One house can have radon levels next to zero while the house next door can be off the charts."
If the radon level in your house is high it is not hard to fix. "A certified radon mitigation technician can reduce radon levels in most homes by more than 80 per cent for about the same cost as other common home repairs, such as replacing the furnace or air conditioner," says Connie Choy, air quality coordinator with the Ontario Lung Association.
"A radon mitigation professional who has been certified under the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) can help you find the best way to reduce the radon level in your home."
To order a radon test kit or to find a C-NRPP certified contractor in your region, go to www.TakeActionOnRadon.ca/. For more information about how radon affects your lung health, visit lung.ca/radon or, call us toll-free at 1 888-566-5864. In Quebec, call 1 888-POUMON-9. In British Columbia, call 1 800-665-LUNG (5864).
To view the video, visit our Youtube channel at: http://ow.ly/DArJt
About The Lung Association
Established in 1900, The Lung Association is one of Canada's oldest and most respected health charities, and the leading national organization for science-based information, research, education, support programs and advocacy on lung heath issues.
Video with caption: "Video: Mike Holmes Hammers Home the Message on Radon". Video available at: http://youtu.be/pliVRLWC0fA
Image with caption: "Canada’s most trusted contractor, Mike Holmes, confers with Niagara Falls homeowners Michael and Jana Katz after a routine radon test found serious radon contamination in their home. Radon, a radioactive gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in Canada (CNW Group/The Canadian Lung Association)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141031_C8597_PHOTO_EN_7367.jpg
Audio with caption: "Mike Holmes Hammers Home the Message on Radon". Audio available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2014/10/31/20141031_C8597_AUDIO_EN_7372.mp3
SOURCE: The Canadian Lung Association
John Chenery, Provincial Manager, Communications, Ontario Lung Association, 416-864-9911 ext. 292, [email protected]
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