For Immediate Release
The Town of Oliver is inviting residents to protect their health by testing their homes for radon this winter by participating in the 100 Radon Test Kit Challenge. This free program includes a Radon Information Session occurring on November 25th at 7:30pm at the Community Hall, that will cover the health effects of radon, why it’s a concern in the area, and what Health Canada recommends for homeowners.
For the 100 Radon Test Kit Challenge, 100 Free Radon Test Kits will be distributed to residents in Oliver to test their homes. Residents are encouraged to sign up for the program as soon as possible at http://www.oliver.ca/radonchallenge. Act quickly – only 100 kits are available! You will need to provide your name, email address and phone number to participate. Once registered, participants will be able to pick up their radon test kit from Tuesday, November 26th, until Friday, November 29th at Town Hall, 6150 Main Street, between the hours of 9:00am – 4:00pm. Funding for this project is provided by Health Canada.
“I encourage residents to test for radon in their homes. Protecting our health begins at home, and radon testing is a simple, essential step to ensure our families are safe from this invisible risk. Let’s take action together to create a healthier community for all,” said Mayor Johansen.
Too few Canadians are aware that the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers can be found right in their own homes. Radon gas is a concern across Canada, but completing a radon test is the only way to determine whether the levels in your home are a health concern to you and your family.
“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.”
“Too many Canadians have heard about radon gas but haven’t yet tested their homes,” says Pam Warkentin, Executive Director of Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (CARST) and Project Manager, Take Action on Radon. “Whether this is the first time you’re hearing about radon, or the hundredth time… if you haven’t gotten around to testing your home, this is your chance to stop putting it off and get your radon test.” For those who have tested in the past, this may be the perfect time to test again. CARST recommends re-testing for radon every 3 to 5 years.
If you have any questions, please contact the Town of Oliver and to learn more about radon and how to test your home, visit https://takeactiononradon.ca.
Inquiries:
Town of Oliver
250.485.6200