New Data Shows Alarming Radon Levels In Saskatchewan Homes
At our Radon Awareness Press Conference today, Lung Ambassadors Kerri Mossing, Christine Elliott, and Luana Hiebert shared their personal journeys with lung cancer and its link to radon gas exposure. United in their message, they emphasized the urgent need for Saskatchewan residents to test their homes for radon.
Radon gas exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer and is connected to the deaths of over 3,000 Canadians every year. Lung cancer claims more lives than breast, ovarian, colon, and prostate cancer combined. Radon is a radioactive gas that is formed when uranium breaks down in the soil and rock. Because radon is colourless, tasteless, and odourless, testing is the only way to determine if radon levels are high in your home.
Kerri Mossing, Lung Ambassador emphasizes, “Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer. Testing is easy, and reducing radon in your home should be important to everyone.”
A recent report from the Evict Radon National Study team shows over 10 million Canadians are unknowingly living with high radon levels. In Saskatchewan, one in three homes have radon levels above the Health Canada recommended level of 200 becquerels per cubic meter.
“I share my lung cancer journey to encourage more people to test their homes so they don’t have to go through what I did,” says Christine Elliott, Lung Ambassador.
November is Radon Action Month, and Lung Saskatchewan is encouraging everyone to test their homes. “Given the high levels of uranium in our soil, it is critical to test your home to ensure all members of your family are protected from the risk of lung cancer caused by radon gas exposure. Everyone in Saskatchewan should test their home for radon,” says Erin Kuan, President and CEO, Lung Saskatchewan.
“I led a healthy life. I loved to hike, travel, and ride my bike, so when I was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, I was shocked,” shares Luana Hiebert, Lung Ambassador. “Testing your home is easy and affordable; there is no reason not to test your home.”
To protect their families, homeowners can order a radon test kit today at HomeRadonTest.ca.
