The city is working to educate the community about radon gases the risks they pose and the importance of testing for them.
According to a release the City of Lethbridge has partnered with Take Action on Radon for the education initiative. In Canada, exposure to radon gas is reported to be the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. The only way to test for radon gas is with a radon test kit because the gas is invisible and has no odour or taste.
Radon gas is described as a natural gas that forms when radioactive metals such as radium, thorium or uranium break down in rocks, soil or groundwater. Once formed the gas can then evaporate and be spread out, making outdoor levels lower but when radon gas is in a building or enclosed space it can be trapped and cause higher levels.
The city is offering a free program through the Radon Test Kit Challenge. Those who take part in the challenge will attend a virtual information session which goes over the health effects of radon and Health Canada’s recommendations for homeowners and a radon test kit for each home that is registered. According to the city, test kits are available for the first 100 homes that register.
More information about the program and challenge can be found here.
