Free Radon Test Kits Available Throughout the County & City from Peterborough Public Health
Written by admin, November 30, 2017
November 30, 2017 – Protect Your Family from the Second-Leading Cause of Lung Cancer
Peterborough Public Health has a limited supply of free radon test kits for local residents conveniently available throughout the County and City of Peterborough, and at Curve Lake First Nations.
“Radon is responsible for anywhere from 1,080 to 1,550 cancer cases in Ontario each year. This colourless, odourless gas can build up in lower levels of buildings unbeknownst to those living there,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “We strongly encourage residents to take advantage of these free kits and test their homes to keep their families safe.”
Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium found in rock and soil. It can enter buildings through cracks in foundation floors and walls, gaps in service pipes, open floor drains, or any other area of exposed soil. The likelihood of a radon problem cannot be predicted by the age or location of a home; all homes are at risk.
Long term exposure to high levels of radon greatly increases your risk of lung cancer. According to a 2016 Public Health Ontario report entitled The Environmental Burden of Cancer in Ontario, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
It is easy to test for radon. Just put the detector in the lowest lived-in level of your home, and leave it there for three months. Afterwards, mail it away to the lab and they will send you the results. (The free PPH kits even include the shipping fee.)
Free radon kits are available on a first come, first serve basis. Residents in the City of Peterborough can pick up their free kits at Peterborough Public Health, located at Jackson Square, 185 King St., Peterborough. Please visit the third floor customer service counter.
Kits are available for rural residents as follows:
Curve Lake First Nation
Curve Lake First Nation Health Centre
38 Whetung Street East, Curve Lake, ON
Municipality of Trent Lakes
760 County Road 36, Trent Lakes, ON
Township of Asphodel-Norwood
2357 County Road 45, Norwood, ON
Township of Cavan Monaghan
988 County Rd 10, Millbrook, ON
Township of Douro-Dummer
894 South Street, Warsaw, ON
Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen
1 Ottawa St. East, Havelock, ON
Township of North Kawartha
280 Burleigh Street, Apsley, ON
Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan
20 Third Street, Keene, ON
Township of Selwyn
1310 Centre Line, Selwyn, ON
For more information visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/radon or contact Wanda Tonus at 705-743-1000 ex. 285.
-30-
For further information, please contact:
Wanda Tonus
Public Health Inspector
705-743-1000, ext. 285