November 16, 2022

Start of the 7th state campaign “Cities and municipalities against radon”

By: The Regional Eye

With this campaign, the APQ wants to make the population aware of the existence of radon, a radioactive gas that is found everywhere on the earth’s surface. Outdoors, this gas does not pose a hazard as it is quickly diluted in the surrounding air. However, if it enters homes, it can accumulate and reach concentrations that pose a health risk. Odourless, colorless and tasteless, radon is imperceptible to the senses. It tends to accumulate in the lowest, least ventilated rooms of apartments. The only way to tell if a home is affected by radon is to measure the concentration with a detector.

Beloeil will donate kits

As a host municipality, Beloeil provides citizens with 100 radon test kits free of charge. To participate, you must register at Beloeil.ca/trousse_radon. A virtual presentation will be held on November 22nd at 7pm to explain the risks of radon and the steps to perform the test.

“We would like to make the citizens of the city of Beloeil aware that no house, even new construction, is safe from radon gas. Since radon exposure is one of the main causes of lung cancer, we encourage citizens to take the test with a dosimeter and attend the information session to learn more about this topical issue,” emphasizes Nadine Viau, Mayor of Beloeil.

Cities and towns across the province are invited to join the campaign. Cities and communities can receive materials from the APQ to make their citizens aware of the wrongdoing of this gas, which kills nearly 1,200 Quebecers each year. You can also support the campaign with your own materials and media.

Keep in mind that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Quebec. Upon entering the lungs, radon releases radioactive radiation that can cause lung cancer in the long term. The risk of developing radon-related lung cancer depends on both the concentration and the number of years of exposure. GM