Take Action on Radon, a coalition of national health organizations, is offering 100 free radon test kits to Penticton residents, which they can use to monitor their homes for potentially dangerous radon gas.
“We are encouraging residents to take advantage of this opportunity to test their homes and to learn more about the serious health risks associated with radon exposure,” says Blake Laven, general manager of Development Services. “We’re grateful to be included in this initiative and are working closely with regional partners to gain a greater understanding of how radon levels affect Penticton and surrounding communities.”
Radon is a radioactive gas that is released by the breakdown of uranium in the soil. It is odourless, tasteless and colourless, and can enter buildings and enclosed spaces undetected. Since Canadian homes are sealed against the weather, radon can become trapped indoors, building up to dangerous levels.
Long-term exposure is linked to more than 3,000 Canadian deaths each year – greater than the combined toll of car collisions, house fires, carbon monoxide poisoning and drowning. However, testing is easy and radon mitigation systems can be installed to fix the problem in your home.
“Reducing radon exposure saves lives and the 100 Test Kit Challenge is a great way for a community to come together and take action on radon,” says Pam Warkentin, executive director of the Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (CARST), and project manager for Take Action on Radon.
This program will coincide with testing also taking place throughout parts of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, Oliver and Osoyoos.
Applications are open now, available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Apply for your free kit at penticton.ca/radon.
Attend a free information session
A free online information session will be held on Monday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m., with details to be emailed to those who have pre-registered. All residents are encouraged to attend this session, whether or not you choose to participate in the testing program, to learn more about the health effects of radon, why it’s a concern in our area, and Health Canada’s recommendations for homeowners. A Zoom link is available on our website at penticton.ca/radon.
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. Funding for this project is provided by Health Canada.