Peterborough Public Health Takes Action Against Radon
Written by Comms Team, November 7, 2024
Workshops and Testing Kits Available
November is Radon Action Month. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium found in rocks and soil. When dispersed outdoors, the gas is harmless. However, when radon builds up in confined spaces, such as a house, it can concentrate in high levels and be harmful.
When radon gas is inhaled, radioactive particles get trapped in a person’s lungs, which damages lung tissue and can develop into lung cancer. Second only to smoking, radon is a leading cause of lung cancer, killing roughly 3,200 Canadians each year. The health risk from radon develops over the long-term, and typically depends on three things:
- The level of radon in your home
- The length of time you have been exposed
- Smoking status or exposure to second-hand smoke
Every house likely contains some radon, but the level cannot be predicted by the age or location of a home. The only way to know how much radon is in your home is to test for it.
Join a workshop:
Peterborough Public Health is offering workshops across the region throughout the month to share knowledge about radon and how to mitigate radon exposure in your home.
- Norwood Townhall – Tuesday, November 12th, 7:00pm
- 2357 County Rd 45, Norwood K0L 2V0
- North Kawartha Community Centre – Wednesday, November 13th, 7:00pm
- 340 McFadden Rd, Apsley K0L 1A0
- Trent Lakes, Lakehurst Hall – Monday, November 18th, 7:00pm
- 259 Lakehurst Circle Rd, Lakehurst K0L 1J0
- Lakefield, Marshlands Centre – Monday, November 25th, 7:00pm
- 64 Hague Blvd, Lakefield K0L 2H0
- Peterborough Public Health, Multi-purpose rooms (2nd floor) – Wednesday, November 27th 7:00pm
- 185 King St, Peterborough K9J 2R8
- A closed session is also being held at Curve Lake First Nation for Members
This year, as part of Radon Action Month, Peterborough Public Health is partnering with Evict Radon, based out of the University of Calgary, to study radon levels in the area served by PPH. “Very little is known about the radon levels in our area,” said Julie Bromley, Manager of Environmental Health with PPH. “Participating in this national study is essential for helping us understand and mitigate the risks of this invisible threat to health. By contributing to this study, we can better protect our communities and empower individuals to take action against radon exposure, especially in areas where it may be more prevalent.”
The first 20 households at each session who agree to be a part of the research study will receive a free radon test kit*. The study consists of answering a brief questionnaire about the age and type of house you live in, and agreement to sharing your home’s radon test results with the researchers.
*Please note: Kits should be distributed at the session; however, supply issues may require that kits be mailed/delivered later.
For more information about the workshops and to learn more about radon, visit peterboroughpublichealth.ca/radon
-30-
For further information, please contact:
Media Relations