As we head into the colder months, WDG Public Health and Wellington County are encouraging residents to test their homes for radon.
Radon is a colourless, odourless gas present in many homes. It is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in soil, rock and groundwater. Testing is the only way to measure the presence of radon in your home. According to a survey of homes conducted by Health Canada in 2009: 15% of homes tested across Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph tested above the recommended guideline for radon.
“As the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, radon can pose a serious risk to you and your family, but there are steps you can take to ensure your home is safe,” says Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health and CEO, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. “By using a radon test kit, people can better understand their risks and take proper action to protect their households.”
Radon detectors are available to borrow from any Wellington County Library branch. It’s an easy way to check for radon and help keep your indoor air safe. These short-term detectors need to be placed in the lowest livable space in your house and should be left undisturbed for at least 18 days. The detector will give you the average level of radon during that time.
Please note, further testing may be needed with a long-term, lab-tested kit that is placed in your home for at least three months.
For more information about radon, where to purchase a long-term test kit, and other local resources, visit wdgpublichealth.ca/radon. Recommendations for what to do about radon levels in your home can be found at takeactionradon.ca/protect.