Statement from Minister McPhee on Radon Action Month

Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:

“November is Radon Action Month in Canada. This month, the Government of Yukon is encouraging homeowners to test their homes for radon and take action to protect themselves if their home tests above the Health Canada guideline.

“Radon is a colourless, odourless gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in rocks and soil. It’s radioactive and is found in every region in Canada. While radon is harmless outdoors, it can build up to dangerous levels indoors.

“Radon exposure increases the risk of lung cancer and is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. In non-smokers radon exposure is the number one cause of lung cancer. People who smoke and are exposed to radon have an even higher risk of lung cancer. In total, 16 per cent of lung cancers are estimated to be from radon exposure, resulting in more than 3,000 lung cancer deaths in Canada each year. The health risk from radon is long-term not immediate. The longer you are exposed to high levels of radon, the greater your risk.

“The new Cross Canada Radon Survey concludes that Canadians are among the most highly radon-exposed populations worldwide, highlighting the urgent need to address this issue to avoid a future of preventable lung cancers.

“Radon gas is present in every Yukon community and all homes contain radon. The Yukon has one of the highest levels of radon in Canada. As you can't see, taste or smell radon the only way to know if your home has radon in it is to test for it.

“In Whitehorse, radon test kits are available to purchase at Home Hardware with a $10 instant rebate from the Yukon Lung Association. There are certified radon measurement and mitigation specialists in the Yukon who can test for radon in your home and take steps to remove it, if needed. Radon mitigation qualifies under the Yukon Housing Corporation’s Home Repair Program. Information on that program can be found on yukon.ca by searching 'home repair program'.

“While many homes in the Yukon have radon mitigation systems installed, there are still buildings in the Yukon with radon levels above Canada’s national guideline. Health Canada's acceptable radon concentration level in homes is 200 Becquerels per cubic metre or Bq/m3.

“Radon testing in buildings under the control of the Yukon government are conducted in accordance with Health Canada's Guide for Radon Measurements in Public Buildings.

“Our priority is to promote safe, healthy spaces for Yukoners across the territory. The health risks of radon are serious but the solution to protecting yourself and your family is simple: test your home for radon this winter and take action to lower high radon concentrations.”