If you have high levels of radon in your home, your health could be at risk.
Fifteen percent of homes tested in Wellington and Dufferin Counties as part of a Health Canada study had high levels of radon which is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
The only way to find out if you have radon in your home is to test for it because you cannot see it, smell it or taste it. Testing is easy to do yourself and inexpensive. If testing indicates your home has a high level of radon, there are steps you can take to lower it.
“Exposure to radon in your home increases your lifetime risk of developing lung cancer,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, medical officer of health and CEO for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.
“If you smoke and are exposed to high levels of radon, your risk of developing lung cancer is significantly increased.”
Public health is inviting the public to a radon testing information session on Nov. 23 to answer questions about radon gas. This free, drop-in event will be held at the Fergus Sportsplex at 550 Belsyde Ave. E. from 4:30 to 7pm. Radon test kits will be available for $35.
