The District of Vanderhoof is pleased to be working with Take Action on Radon and BC Lung to raise awareness on the dangers of radon gas.
We are inviting all residents of Vanderhoof to participate in the 100 Radon Test Kit Challenge; a program that provides free radon test kits to residents. All participants in the program are encouraged to attend the Radon Information Session to learn more about the health effects of radon, why it’s a concern in our area, and Health Canada recommendations. The information session will also provide all participants with details on where and when to pick up their radon detector.
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.
The District of Vanderhoof is coordinating the program for the community, believing it is a great opportunity to help families test their homes for radon.
“Radon is a well-established human carcinogen and testing and reducing radon levels is an important method of lung cancer prevention.” says 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,” says 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.
For residents of Vanderhoof, now is the perfect time to Take Action on Radon. Only 100 free kits are available and so residents must sign up for the program at: https://form.jotform.com/232984117307256. Anyone who contacted us via email to sign up will automatically be registered.
The free Radon Information Sessions will be Thursday, November 23, 7pm on Zoom. An invitation wil be sent once you sign up.
Participants will be able to pick up their radon test kits from Friday, November 24 through Friday, December 1 from Municipal Office, 160 Connaught Street, Vanderhoof, BC.
To learn more about radon and how to test your home, visit: TakeActionOnRadon.ca
About Take Action on Radon
Take Action on Radon is a national initiative that works to bring together radon stakeholders and raise radon awareness across Canada. The initiative is led by the Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (CARST) and the Canadian Cancer Society.
For more information call Willene Perez at the District of Vanderhoof at 250-567-4711.
