The BC Lung Association is hosting a public health forum on the risks of radon gas in Prince George tomorrow. Radon gas is naturally produced by the breakdown of uranium in the ground and can seep into your home undetected.
All summer the BC Lung Association has been conducting a study looking into preliminary test results that stated 2 in 10 homes in PG had dangerous levels of the gas.
Lung Association CEO Scott McDonald says the numbers coming back on that study are higher than expected;
“The numbers we are showing, I wouldn’t say they are alarming, but they are higher than we expected. There were some homes that were below health Canada’s guidelines and some homes that were well above”
McDonald went on the explain the risks behind the odorless gas;
“Radon has been shown to cause a significant number of cancers of the lung. In fact in terms of importance as a hazard it is second only to cigarette smoking. The World Health Organization believes radon could account for as many %14 of lung cancers”
The lifetime cancer risk for a smoker who is exposed to high levels of the gas is 30%.
The forum runs from 7 to 9 pm at the Kordyban Lodge, the first 75 guests will receive a free radon test kit.
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