Health Canada: radon gas can be major issue during the winter

Winter in Alberta often means a lot of time spent indoors. It also means potential build-up of radon gas in homes.

Health Canada is encouraging Canadians to test their homes for radon. Over the last month, the Department has provided Albertans in certain regions of the province with direct mail information on radon risks, testing and mitigation. Your readership may have received this postcard in the mail, and may have interest in the topic. We are reaching out to ask if you can help us spread the word about radon.

Did you know?

• Radon is a radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in the ground. It can easily enter homes undetected through cracks and gaps in the floors, walls, windows and doors. You cannot see it, smell it or taste it.

• All homes and buildings have some level of radon. It is not a question of “if ” you have radon in your house; you do. The question is how much and the only way to know is to test.

• Radon is the number-one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, leading to the deaths of more than 3,200 Canadians each year.

• Every region in Canada has homes with elevated radon levels, while many Canadians are unaware of the risks that radon can pose to their health.

• You can access information and resources, including where to purchase a radon test kit, by visiting Take Action on Radon (https:// takeactiononradon.ca).

Please also see: https://www.canada.ca/en/ health-canada/services/health-risks-safety/radiation/radon.html