Hamilton Residents Urged to Test Homes for Cancer-Causing Gas
Published September 30, 2019 at 7:31 pm
Some Hamilton homeowners can now test their house for a cancer-causing gas for free.
Some Hamilton homeowners can now test their house for a cancer-causing gas for free.
As of Monday (Sept. 30) the City of Hamilton is offering eligible homeowners free radon testing kits as part of a study being carried out by Public Health.
Health Canada estimates that 1 in 20 Hamilton homes will have radon levels above the recommended guideline value of 200 Bq/m3 (Becquerel’s per cubic metre).
The Radon Testing Study in Hamilton project is a study being carried out by Hamilton Public Health and the overall goal, the city says, is to learn more about radon in the region and determine radon levels in homes in Hamilton.
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According to the Health Canada website:
“Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally when the uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It is invisible, odourless and tasteless. When radon is released from the ground into the outdoor air, it is diluted and is not a concern. However, in enclosed spaces, like homes, it can sometimes accumulate to high levels.”
It can enter homes through cracks in the foundation, basement windows, groundwater and various other entry points in the home.
All homes can be affected no matter the age or build of the home, the City of Hamilton says.
Health Canada reports that exposure to high levels of radon in indoor air results in an increased risk of developing lung cancer. The risk of cancer depends on the level of radon and how long a person is exposed to those levels.
If you’re a lifelong smoker, your risk of developing lung cancer increases significantly with prolonged radon exposure.
Health Canada and the City of Hamilton assure homeowners that there are simple and relatively inexpensive ways to reduce the amount of gas in your home if test results are higher than the guideline.
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