Take Action on Radon releases Kenora survey results
The agency Take Action on Radon is recommending homes in the community get tested for the presence of radon gas.
Spokesperson Pam Warkentin says radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for people who don’t smoke.
Fortunately, in a recent survey of homes in Kenora, the presence of radon was actually pretty low.
“Kenora is at 6 percent, and the new provincial average of the most recent survey is up around12 at percent,” Warkentin told city council at its open meeting this week.
“Many of the communities (tested) had homes up around 200 (Bq/m3 or becquerels per cubic meter).”
Warkentin says they sent out 100 surveys in Kenora and received 69 back.
“Kenora at 6 percent is on the low end. Actually, historically, you’re under the provincial average. The provincial average would be 8 percent.”
Warkentin says radon is a gas that comes from uranium and most often accumulates in lower parts of a home, like the basement or the first floor.
