Here in the Columbia Valley, we have a strong connection to the landscape, but did you know that relationship carries on when we’re indoors too?

November is Radon Awareness Month and a significant percentage of homes here in the valley are thought to have radon levels above Heath Canada’s guideline, yet few homes in our area have been tested. Unfortunately, most people do not find out that they’ve been exposed to high levels of radon gas until it is too late.

Wildsight Invermere’s Radon Action and Awareness Program is working to change that.

Radon is a radioactive gas produced by the natural decay of uranium in rocks and soil and is the second leading cause of lung cancer. This odourless, invisible gas enters our homes through tiny cracks in floors and walls where is accumulates. Recognizing the very low survival rate of just 17% for lung cancer, and the subsequent large social impact on our community, Wildsight is offering 100 long-term, radon test kits to residents of the Columbia Valley who occupy their home year-round.

The goal of the program is to test radon levels in homes from Spillimacheen through to Canal Flats, map the results, and when levels exceed guidelines, direct homeowners to a certified radon mitigation professional. Results will be used to assess the percentage of homes with hazardous radon levels, and further increase awareness of the danger of radon.

How the Radon Action and Awareness Program works

There is no cost to participate, but residents are asked to pre-register, as there are a limited number of tests available per community. Registered participants will be notified of November dates and times when test kits can be picked up in Invermere. Testing will run through the winter. Once concluded, participants will return the radon detector to Invermere, and Wildsight Invermere will send them for processing.

Participants will receive their results as well as information and options for radon mitigation, if desired. Lab analysis and data mapping are expected to be completed and presented no later than June 2018.

For more information and to register, visit wildsight.ca/branches/invermere Wildsight Invermere’s Radon Action and Awareness Program is made possible with funding from Columbia Basin Trust and the Regional District of East Kootenay.

Wildsight Invermere

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