Lakelands Public Health Offering 750 Free Radon Test Kits to the Community
/Lakelands Public Health is offering 750 free radon test kits to community members as part of the Evict Radon National Study, which is combating the second-leading cause of lung cancer.
File photo.
Community members who receive a kit must agree to participate in the study, set up the device for at least 91 days and send the kit (prepaid envelope included) for analysis.
According to Lakelands Public Health, Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that emanates from the decay of uranium in rocks and soil. It can seep into cracks, gaps and openings in a home’s foundation. When radon enters confined spaces, such as a house, it can accumulate and become harmful.
Radon is invisible, odourless and tasteless. When inhaled, radon traps radioactive particles in the lungs. This creates damage and over the years can develop into lung cancer. In Canada, radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer, after tobacco smoke.
“The Lakelands Public Health region has been identified as priority for the researchers at Evict Radon – not necessarily because there are high levels of radon in our area, but because there is insufficient data about the radon levels in our area,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Lakelands Public Health medical officer of health and CEO. “The study results will help us learn more about radon levels in our community to support future programming so that we can work with municipalities to better understand and mitigate local risks,” he added.
Test kits are limited to one per household and must be picked up by a person residing in the household. Test kits are available while quantities last.
Kits can be picked up at:
Northumberland County, Haliburton County, and the City of Kawartha Lakes:
Local public libraries
County of Peterborough:
Local municipal offices
City of Peterborough:
Lakelands Public Health (Peterborough Office, 3rd Floor, 185 King St.)
