The Town of Conception Bay South is encouraging residents to test their homes for radon following a new report issued by Take Action on Radon. The online report reveals that 30% of the 110 homes tested in Conception Bay South had radon levels exceeding the Canadian guideline. The findings are based on tests conducted by homeowners as part of the national “100 Radon Test Kit Challenge”, a national testing initiative funded by Health Canada, which has distributed over 19,000 radon test kits across Canadian communities.

Radon, a known human carcinogen, is a naturally occurring colourless and odourless gas that can enter homes and buildings through contact with the ground and can build up to elevated levels without proper venting.

“We want residents to know that testing for radon is straightforward, and effective mitigation solutions are available. Although only a limited number of homes were tested in this study, and results can vary between neighbouring homes, these findings should motivate residents to test their own homes. Radon is a national concern, and it is essential to take steps to protect our health,” said Darrin Bent, Mayor, Town of Conception Bay South.

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and can be found at elevated levels in homes across Canada. Since 2017, the National Building Code of Canada has required provisions for future radon venting in new homes. Retrofitting older homes for radon venting is also possible. Mitigation systems can be installed in any home to quickly reduce radon levels by over 90%. This process typically takes just one day and should be carried out by a certified professional. The Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) provides a searchable list of certified radon professionals at www.c-nrpp.ca/find-a-professional. Additionally, the Canadian Lung Association offers grants to help low-income families cover the cost of radon mitigation.

Residents who participated in the Town’s “100 Radon Test Kit Challenge” should have received their results by now. If not, they are advised to contact the Town. An aggregated report providing an overview of radon levels within the community is also available online by clicking here. 

Residents with health-related questions are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals. Those who didn’t participate but wish to order a test kit can learn more at www.takeactiononradon.ca/test. For more information about radon and the “100 Radon Test Kit Challenge,” please visit www.takeactiononradon.ca.

Helpful Links for Participants

For those who have questions or need additional information, the following resources are available:

• Take Action on Radon: Frequently Asked Questions
• Find a C-NRPP Professional
• What is Radon Mitigation
• Radon Mitigation Grant Funding