New Brunswickers concerned about radon in their homes can now get testing kits at their local library.
The provincial government announced Tuesday free radon test kits will be available at all provincial libraries.
“We understand the importance of making radon tests more accessible for residents,” said Post-Secondary Education and Training Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours.
The province partnered with the New Brunswick Research and Productivity Council and NB Lung to get the tests out to the public.
Dubbed the Radon Test Distribution Program, it was launched to coincide with the start of heating season.
To get more accurate results, it’s recommended that radon tests be conducted during the colder months when homes are more often closed up.
It’s estimated 25 per cent of New Brunswick homes have high radon levels. Radon exposure is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in Canada.
“With this program, New Brunswick is poised to be a leader in preventing preventable lung cancer as the first province to implement free access to testing,” NB Lung president and CEO Melanie Langille said. “High radon in a home is fixable, but you must test to know if your radon is high.”
The kits include a 90-day test and information about radon gas.
The Research and Productivity Council will conduct analysis and provide results.
“For years, the New Brunswick Research and Productivity Council has been at the forefront of radon testing and raising awareness in New Brunswick, because it’s a known fact that testing saves lives,” said Diane Botelho, the council’s CEO and executive director. “Our team of radon-certified scientists have been working hard over many years to ensure that families across New Brunswick have access to reliable, accurate radon testing. We don’t just test; we educate, guide and feel the duty to help protect our communities.”
