There will be two local information sessions on the dangers of radon coming up in the Pontiac, offering residents an opportunity to learn about the dangers of the radioactive gas, and pick up a free testing kit to detect its presence in their homes.
As part of the “100 Radon Test Kit Challenge”, the municipalities of Shawville and Litchfield will be holding these sessions on Tuesday Nov. 25, at 6 p.m. both online via Zoom and in-person. The Shawville event will take place at the Community Lodge (244 Main St.) and the other will take place at the Campbell’s Bay RA Hall (2 rue Second). The kits will be distributed to residents of those municipalities who have registered the week following. The Shawville session is open to Clarendon residents as well, and the Litchfield session is open to residents of Campbell’s Bay.
Pam Warkentin is a project manager for Take action on Radon, an initiative funded by Health Canada to work with partners to help Canadians test their homes for the carcinogenic gas.
She said the information sessions will feature plenty of time for residents to ask experts about anything they wish to know.
“Because this is relatively new for people, it gives them an opportunity to ask questions,” she said. “We go through the basics of why radon is a health concern.”
Radon is an odourless, colourless, radioactive gas that is a leading cause of lung cancer in the country. Occurring naturally in the ground, it can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation or other routes, and if not properly ventilated, can present a serious risk to health.
The Outaouais has elevated levels of radon compared to other regions, ranking fifth-highest according to maps from Gaz Radon Quebec. While the average home has a radon concentration of 37 Bq/m³, Health Canada recommends that any home showing above 200 Bq/m³ should have corrective measures taken within a year.
Warkentin said that municipalities looking to sign up for next year should have their applications in before spring, as they book up fast.
For more information you can go to takeactiononradon.ca
