February 22nd, 2016
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 22, 2016 – Radon gas: Is it in your home? Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and Saskatchewan is a hot spot! Radon is the radioactive gas from the natural breakdown of uranium in the ground. You can’t see, taste or smell radon. It gets into homes and buildings undetected through cracks in the foundation or gaps around pipes. The only way to know how much radon is in your home or building is to test for it.
Stakeholders from different sectors such as charities, health partners, radon professionals, government agencies, home builders, academics and retailers have come together to form the Take Action on Radon Saskatchewan Coalition. The purpose of the coalition is to come together united as one voice to educate the public about radon, and to encourage all residents of our great province to test their homes and work places for this radioactive gas.
“We often don’t think about our lungs until something takes our breath away. Lung cancer kills more people than breast, ovarian, colon and prostate cancer combined. According to Health Canada, radon specifically is estimated to account for 16% of those deaths. Through education we hope to reduce lung cancer and ultimately save lives,” says Jill Hubick, Registered Nurse from The Lung Association of Saskatchewan.
In order to bring awareness about radon, The Take Action on Radon Coalition will be hosting a free public information night in both Regina and Saskatoon. All media outlets are invited to attend.
- The Regina radon event will take place on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at the Executive Royal Hotel Regina (formerly West Harvest Inn), 4025 Albert Street, Regina from 7-9pm. The evening will be hosted by Sabeen Ahmad, CTV Regina Morning Show.
- The Saskatoon radon event will take place on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at the Willows, 382 Cartwright Street, Saskatoon from 7-9 pm. The evening will be hosted by Chantel Huber, CTV Saskatoon Evening News.
Both evenings will have presentations by Health Canada and Certified Radon Professionals. This event is open to all members of the public and there is no cost to attend. A limited number of free radon test kits ($50 value) will be available. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Health Canada recommends testing for a minimum of three months starting in the winter months, when windows and doors typically remain closed. The Canadian Guideline for Radon in Indoor Air is 200 Becquerels per cubic metre. While it is strongly recommended that Canadians fix their home if their levels of radon is at or over the guideline, there is no completely safe level of radon and home owners are encouraged to reduce radon levels as low as possible.
Contact:
Jill Hubick, The Lung Association of Saskatchewan, 306-343-9511
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