THUNDER BAY -- The district’s health unit is turning to the public help measure radon levels within the community.
In a news release issued Wednesday, the Thunder Bay and District Health Unit confirmed that it is making free radon home-testing kits available to 500 homes in the city.
The Health Unit believes the information gathered from the kits will help it determine the radon levels in Thunder Bay.
“We want to find the prevalence of high radon in Thunder Bay and in what parts of the City the risk is highest,” said Lee Sieswerda, manager of environmental health.
“The only way to know if a home has a high level of radon is to test for it. The puck-sized radon detectors will stay in the homes for three months, and then will be collected and sent away for analysis. Residents will be notified of their results.”
Health Unit officials say radon is an invisible radioactive gas found in homes across Canada. It is produced naturally as the uranium in the ground breaks down.
Radon can seep into the home through cracks in the foundation, pipe openings, sump pits and elsewhere.
The Health Unit explains that the Radon can build up to high levels in the home. Overtime this can lead to lung cancer.
It is estimated that 2,000 Canadians are killed by radon gas every year. Residents who discover they have a high level of radon in their home, the Health Unit will provide information on how to reduce it.
Residents who would like to know if they’re eligible to receive a free radon testing kit must complete a survey.
To apply for a free kit and for more information about radon, visit tbdhu.com/EH or call 807-625-5930.
