Dawson Creek residents will have an opportunity to test their homes for radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas linked to lung cancer, through a city initiative offering 100 free test kits.
The City of Dawson Creek announced the 100 Radon Test Kit Challenge on Oct. 9, aiming to raise awareness about radon and help residents find out whether the gas is present in their homes.
Radon forms when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It has no colour, smell or taste, making specialized testing the only way to detect it.
According to the Lung Association, long-term exposure to radon can damage lung tissue and is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in Canada.
The city is partnering with Take Action on Radon for the initiative.
Residents interested in participating can attend a free information session at the Kiwanis Performing Arts Centre on Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. The session will cover radon, why home testing matters and how to take part in the challenge.
Registered participants will receive details about when and where to pick up their free test kit one week after the session.
More information about registration and the challenge is available through the City of Dawson Creek’s Facebook page.
