Now is the Time to Test for Radon

November 22, 2016

Huron County, ON – With most windows and doors closed due to the cooler weather, now is a good time for Huron County residents to test for radon.

Radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive gas found naturally in the environment. Long-term exposure to elevated levels of radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

Radon can be found all over Ontario. According to Health Canada, 11% of randomly selected homes in Huron County tested above the Canadian Guideline for Radon in 2012.

“The only way to know the radon level in your home is to test for it,” says Public Health Inspector Chris Boyes. “Fortunately, it’s not difficult or expensive to test for radon. Taking appropriate measures to reduce radon levels from your home could greatly benefit your health.”

Radon test kits are available at most major home renovation stores, or can be purchased on-line. Health Canada recommends homeowners do a long-term radon test, for a minimum of three months, during the fall or winter months. To get the most accurate results, the radon detector should be placed in the lowest level of the home where homeowners spend a minimum of 4 hours per day.

For more information on radon and radon testing, call the Huron County Health Unit at 1.877.837.6143 or visit huronhealthunit.ca.

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For more information contact:

Angela Sturdy, Executive Assistant
519.524.8394 (ext 2010)
asturdy@huroncounty.ca
Our spokesperson is: Chris Boyes, Public Health Inspector. Our media contact will connect you to our spokesperson on this topic.