Submitted by Rose Ing
The Education Committee would like to provide some information about the potential dangers of exposure to radon gas.
Radon gas:
Is found in high levels in 1 in 8 Calgary homes
Is a naturally occurring colourless, odorless gas that is produced from the decay of radioactive decay of uranium in soil and rock
Is the second leading cause of lung cancer (primary cause for non-smokers)
Damages DNA and increases the risk of lung cancer
Effects are not immediate and usually takes 15 – 20 years after exposure
Enters homes through cracks in walls, floors and foundation and through floor drains
Levels can vary greatly between neighbouring homes
What can you do?
Let the Education Committee know if you would like a radon gas test kit for your home – if there is enough interest we may be able to bulk purchase kits from the Lung Association
Set it up to test the radon levels in your home for at least 3 months
Send the test kit to the lab listed on the package for analysis
For more information, please take a look at the following Health Canada fact sheet:
and the Lung Association fact sheet here.