As cooler temperatures start to set in, many start cozying up at home with windows and doors closed tight. This makes it the perfect time to think about measuring radon levels in your home. November is National Radon Action Month, and Winnipeg Public Library now has radon screening kits available to borrow.
Why test for radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas found naturally in the environment. It is also the second leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking. Radon also has no colour, odour, or taste. The only way to know if your home has radon is to test for it.
Health Canada recommends that every home should be tested, no matter where it is located, the type of building, or if it already has a mitigation system.
“Libraries are about more than books. They’re trusted places to learn and try something new,” said Karin Borland, Manager of Library Services.
Borrowing a screening kit is an easy, free way to test the radon levels in your home.
How the library program works
We have partnered with the Manitoba Lung Association to bring radon screening kits to all 20 library branches. Kits are available to borrow for a three-week loan between November 1 and April 30 each year.
Because radon readings are less accurate when windows and doors are open more, the kits will not be available during the summer months.
What’s in the kit
Radon screening kits include:
- An electronic radon monitor
- An information booklet provided by the Manitoba Lung Association
Screening devices should be placed in rooms at the lowest level of your home where you and your family spend a lot of time, for at least seven days.
Ready to test?
Visit our Winnipeg Public Library online catalogue and search for “radon” or visit your nearest branch to reserve a kit.