With higher than normal radon gas levels showing up in some Manitoba homes, the Canadian Cancer Society is encouraging people to test their basements.
One in four Manitoba homes have been found to report high levels of the cancer-causing gas than what Health Canada advises. The most significant discovery of the gas is in and around Brandon and Dauphin, where 41% of homes have higher than accepted levels.
“Radon accounts for 16% of all cases of lung cancer in Canada every year,” said Erin Crawford with the Canadian Cancer Society’s Manitoba Division. “It is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
“Because of our soil composition, we know that radon gas is more likely to build up in Manitoba homes.”
Provincially, 24% of homes in Manitoba have high radon gas levels compared to 11% nationally.
Testing kits for the gas can be acquired through local hardware stores such as the Home Depot, through a certified radon testing professional, or by contacting the Winnipeg or Brandon Cancer Society offices.
