Free radon testing kits from Lakelands Public Health

Lakelands Public Health is pleased to be offering free radon home test kits to residents of Haliburton County this fall. As part of its participation in the Take Action on Radon (TAOR) 100 Test Kit Challenge, 100 kits will be given away starting the beginning of November. Lakelands Public Health is partnering with the Haliburton County Public Library, who will distribute the kits from its Dysart, Minden and Wilberforce branches. TAOR is hosting an online session for the public on Wednesday, October 28 at 7 p.m. to provide information on radon, its health risks, and how to participate in the challenge.

Residents are encouraged to pre-register for the information session to reserve a spot and a free test kit. Once you register, you'll be sent an email with the link to the online session. You can register here.

Radon is a radioactive gas that is released by the breakdown of uranium in the soil. It is odourless, tasteless, and colourless, and can enter buildings and enclosed spaces undetected. Since Canadian homes are sealed against the weather, radon can become trapped indoors, building up to dangerous levels. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon can lead to lung cancer and currently contributes to over 3,000 Canadian deaths each year. In fact, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.