RADON: Have you tested your home?

What does a radon test look like?• Most radon test devices known as,

‘detectors’ fit into the palm of a hand• Radon detectors do not emit radon• Some homes included in the Study may

be selected for a variety of testing methods

How do I interpret my indoor radon test results?• Radon test results will be reported in

Becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m3)• If your indoor radon level is above 200 Bq/m3,

it is recommended that you take measures to reduce the radon level in your home

• A Certified Radon Professional can review your test results with you and make recommendations on how to reduce radon levels

How much will it cost to reduce radon levels?The cost of reducing indoor radon levels is similar to other small home renovations and repairs, depending on the size and design of a house and the amount of work required.

For more information on the Study and to participate, please contact:

City of Castlegar460 Columbia AvenueCastlegar, B.C., V1N 1G7

PHONE: 250 365 8960FAX: 250 365 4810EMAIL: pmarkin@castlegar.caWEBSITE: radonaware.ca

PARTICIPATE IN OUR

Indoor RADON Study

For general information on radon please contact the

BC Lung Association:

The BC Lung Association2675 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 2K2

P: 1.250.686.1597 E: radonaware@bc.lung.ca

W: radonaware.ca

Sample RadonDetector.

For more information on reducing the radon level in your home and contacting a Certified Radon Professional, please go to radonaware.ca

WHAT IS RADON?Radon is a gas that occurs naturally when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. Radon is invisible, odourless, and tasteless. In enclosed spaces such as a home, it can accumulate to high levels.

Radon health effectsRadon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, and is linked to 16% of lung cancer deaths in Canada. Smokers who are also exposed to radon have a 1 in 3 risk of developing lung cancer in their lifetime.

Radon entry into the homeRadon is present in the soil and can enter anywhere a building comes in contact with the soil. This may include, but is not limited to, • Construction joints • Gaps around service pipes • Window casements• Floor drains • Sumps or cavities inside walls• Cracks in foundation walls and in floor slabs

INDOOR RADON STUDYWhat is this Study about?The BC Lung Association (BCLA), in partnershipwith the City of Castlegar, is offering homeowners the opportunity to participate in an Indoor Radon Study. The Study will focus on testing the radon gas levels of the following housing groups: (A) homes built on or after 2006, and (B) homes built pre-2006 and any homes not selected for Group A.

Why is this Study being conducted?Testing in Castlegar, and surrounding area, indicates elevated indoor radon levels that may pose a health risk to the community. Since 2006 the BC Building Code has required construction measures to reduce radon entry into homes. BCLA would like to test homes built since 2006 to confirm the effectiveness of these measures. BCLA is also offering free radon test kits to owners of homes built pre-2006 to inform homeowners of the radon levels in their homes.

HOW DO I PARTICIPATE IN THE STUDY?When can I participate in the Study?• Entry to the Study is effective

January 2014 for a limited time• Radon testing begins January 2014

and ends April 2014• To pick up a Participant Consent Form or to

receive a free radon test kit, please contact:

CityofCastlegar460 Columbia Avenue, Castlegar, B.C. V1N 1G7 P 250 365 8960 F 250 365 4810 E pmarkin@castlegar.ca W radonaware.ca

My home was built on or after 2006.How do I participate in the Study?1. Contact the City of Castlegar and indicate

your interest in the Indoor Radon Study2. Provide the age of your home and contact

information3. A home visit will be scheduled with a

Certified Radon Professional to explain the study requirements

4. Fill out and sign the Participant Registration and Consent Form*

My home was built pre-2006. How do I participate in the Study?1. Visit the City of Castlegar main office to

pick-up your free radon test kit and to review test procedures

2. Fill out and sign the Participant Registration and Consent Form

Who can participate in the Study?A. Owners of homes built on or after 2006,

and

B. Owners of homes built pre-2006

For more information on radon go to radonaware.ca

* Participants of the GROUP A 2006–2012 Study may be asked to participate in a variety of testing methods and small upgrades to the home. There is no cost to the participant for any testing

TESTING IS SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE. The only way to know if your home has radon is to test!