Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and the North Thompson Valley has some of the highest radon levels in the province.
The BC Lung Association wants to do something about it, and they will be hosting a free public forum on radon in Barriere this Monday, Nov. 21, in the multipurpose room at The Ridge (4936 Barriere Town Road), starting at 6 p.m.
Presenters will include Dr. Menn Biagtan of the BC Lung Association, Ms. Winnie Cheng a regional radiation specialist with Health Canada, Greg Baytalan, an air quality specialist with Interior Health Authority, and Allan Dobbie a senior consultant with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
Radon is a colorless and odorless radioactive gas that is formed by the decay of uranium. It can seep into basements and accumulate inside buildings. Radon can seep in through your home’s foundation and because radon has no odour, it’s impossible to detect without a proper radon test.
How much radon enters a home depends on how much uranium is in the ground underneath it, how easily it can get into your home, and the rate of air exchange between indoor and outdoor areas (due to variations in construction, ventilation and window seals).
If your home’s levels are high (above 200 Bq/m3), Health Canada recommends you mitigate in order to reduce radon levels in your home. You can undertake to do it yourself, or you can contract a certified radon mitigator.
Radon test kits are inexpensive, easy to use, and some will be available at no charge during the public forum on a first come, first served basis.
A three-minute video about radon and how you can protect your home and your family can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDOdt2C8oM8.
Find out more about the risks of radon and radon mitigation by visiting the BC Lung Association website at www.bc.lung.ca, email info@bc.lung.ca or call toll-free at 1.800.665.5864.