Digital Radon Detector loan program piloted in Northwestern Ontario

NEWS RELEASE
ECOSUPERIOR
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The latest resource in Northwestern Ontario libraries isn’t a book or tablet, but rather a radon detector.

Digital radon detectors, which measure levels of the lung-cancer causing gas, will make their debut in participating libraries for Radon Action Month this November. Detectors will be available for check-out in Thunder Bay, Oliver Paipoonge, Dorion, Nipigon, Red Rock and Marathon, with additional communities joining the initiative in 2020. 

“We’ve been selling radon test kits since 2014, but every year there are residents who tell us that the $50 cost of the test is a barrier,” said EcoSuperior Program Coordinator Caroline Cox. “We hope that the new digital radon detectors will convince more people to test. The digital detectors offer a free way to learn more about your home’s radon levels. The next step is for homeowners to confirm their results using a certified long-term radon test, which offers the most accurate results in order to decide if mitigation is required.” 

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among Canadian non-smokers. Studies have shown that residents of Northwestern Ontario are at an elevated risk of radon-induced lung cancer. Province-wide, 5% of homes test above the Health Canada’s guideline, but 16% of homes in Thunder Bay, 17% of homes in Marathon, and 65% of homes in Oliver Paipoonge returned results above the national threshold, according to the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. 
While municipal-level data is not available for the rest of Northwestern Ontario, a 2012 Health Canada study found that, on average, 12% of homes in the Thunder Bay District tested above the Health Canada guideline of 200 Bq/m3. 

“This new regional program offers the opportunity to bring radon outreach to areas where few homes have been tested,” said Cox. “It will give us new information about radon levels in rural communities.” 

Information workshops will be held in participating communities. For a full list of workshops call 807-624-2141 or visit www.ecosuperior.org/radonworkshops. This program is offered with support from Health Canada.