BC Interior posted Nov 23, 2022 @ 11:56am by Cheyanna Lorraine

Interior Health reminds residents to take necessary steps to avoid exposure to radon gas

Interior Health is reminding residents across the region to take the necessary steps to avoid exposure to radon gas.

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, can only be detected by specific tests and exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

Interior Health says the gas, which is colourless and odourless, comes from the ground and often lingers in buildings with low ventilation, especially in basements and ground floors.

<who> Photo credit: RDCO </who> An example of radon testing kits.

“The BC Centre for Disease Control estimates higher radon levels in parts of the Interior region,” says Interior Health in a news release.

“This could potentially mean higher indoor concentrations and increased health risks. This is concerning because of the large amount of time Canadians spend indoors.”

The health authority adds that people exposed to tobacco smoke and high concentrations of radon are eight times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers.

Fortunately, testing radon levels is a relatively easy process and there are ways to reduce those levels.

IH explains that radon mitigation systems can be installed in any building which can reduce levels by about 90% when installed by a professional.

Be sure to contact your local regional district for details about radon testing kits. Be sure to visit Interior Health's website for more information.

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