When was the last time you tested your home for radon? The City of Kimberley is pleased to be working with Take Action on Radon to raise awareness of the dangers of radon gas and help community members protect their families from lung cancer.

Kimberley residents are invited to take part in the 100 Radon Test Kit Challenge; a program that provides free radon testing.

Participants are encouraged to attend the Radon Information Session online on Wednesday, November 29 at 7 p.m. to learn more about the health effects of radon, why it’s a concern in our area, and Health Canada recommendations.

Canada has had a National Radon Plan for over a decade, encouraging people to test their home for radon and reduce high levels.  Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and can be found in elevated concentrations in homes across the country.

City of Kimberley Building Official Andy Christie is coordinating the program for the community. “After learning about this program, I thought it was a great opportunity to help families test their homes for radon.  We are all spending more time at home, and so it’s an important step for families to take to reduce their radon levels.”

“Radon is a well-established human carcinogen and testing and reducing radon levels is an important method of lung cancer prevention,” said Dr. Anne-Marie Nicol, a researcher from the Faculty of Sciences from Simon Fraser University. “Residential radon is marked as Canadians’ primary exposure to radon; preventing radon exposure will reduce the number of Canadians dying of lung cancer.”

“We are seeing awareness increase in many areas across Canada.  Many people know that testing for radon is an important action in looking after their health,” said Pam Warkentin, Executive Director of CARST and Project Manager, Take Action on Radon. “If you tested for radon years ago, it may be time to test again.  Or if you haven’t gotten around to it, this is your chance to stop putting it off and get your radon test.”

Funding for this project is provided by Health Canada.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for the November 29 session on the City of Kimberley website.

After the information session, participants will be able to pick up their radon test kits from City Hall, 340 Spokane Street, November 30 – December 8, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or at the Kimberley Public Library, 115 Spokane Street that same week – Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. or Thursday 12:30 – 7 p.m.

Find more information on Radon.

City of Kimberley

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