Northern Health Launches New Radon Strategy

Northern Health is launching a new strategy, to teach homeowners about the potential dangers of radon gas.

Doctor Ronald Chapman, who heads up the authority's Northern Cancer Control Strategy, says the goal is to reduce the incidence of lung cancer in the north.

Radon gas is colourless, odourless and radioactive, and is found naturally in the soil of many parts of the north. It can build up in basements and lower levels of people's homes.

A study, conducted by the B-C Centre for Disease Control, has identified elevated radon concentrations in several northern communities, including Kitwanga, Atlin and Prince George.
However, significant radon concentrations have not been identified in communities west of the Coast Mountains, such as Terrace and Stewart, although Northern Health admits the available dataset is not extensive.
Health Canada recommends all homes in Canada be tested for radon gas.   Northern Health is offering radon test kits for $30, through its offices in Smithers (3793 Alfred Avenue) and Terrace (3412 Kalum Street) -- or through the Prince George Public Health Protection office (250-565-2150 or radon@northernhealth.ca).

    John Crawford -- Terrace