CBS and Logy Bay invited to take part in free radon testing for residents

By Mark Squibb
October 27, 2023 Edition

Upwards of one hundred residents of Conception Bay South will be able to test their homes for radon, a radioactive gas that causes lung cancer, for free this fall.

CBS is one of 30 communities across the country that has been invited to participate in the 100 Radon Test Kit Challenge. Through the program, Take Action on Radon will provide selected communities with up to 100 radon test kits for free distribution within the community.

“Radon is a naturally occurring gas that permeates into buildings, and exposure to radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smoking Canadians,” said councillor-at-large Rex Hillier, who brought the matter forward at last week’s public council meeting. “The good news is that it’s easy to test for and reduce radon presence in your home.”

Hillier noted that since 2017 the National Building Code of Canada has required that radon vents be installed in new homes. Homeowners who own older homes can also retrofit their homes with radon venting if need be.

The first 100 residents to register will be eligible to receive a free radon test kit. Homeowners will receive their results this winter and the Town will receive aggregated test results.

Hillier said he hopes residents from one end of CBS to the other will participate so that the results show a true picture of radon levels across the community.

Along with Conception Bay South, the Town of Logy Bay – Middle Cove – Outer Cove has also been invited to participate.

The program is funded by Health Canada.