RDCO offering free radon test kits to workplaces

Photo: RCCO

The Regional District of Central Okanagan is offering 420 free radon test kits to commercial building owners and managers, while supplies last.

All workplaces qualify, with special focus on medical professional buildings such as doctor’s offices, pharmacies, massage therapists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, dental care, optometrists, walk-in clinics, acupuncture, naturopaths, laboratories, among others.

Interested applicants need to pre-register online (rdco.com/radonawareness) by September 23. There’s a limit of one test kit per property and it must be picked up from their participating local government office the week of October 31 to November 4.

Those receiving a kit will be asked to follow the instructions for completing the 91-day minimum cold season test and return their kit to their local government office in late February 2023. Individual test results will be available and sent to each participant in early Spring 2023 along with general information on lowering exposure levels and mitigation recommendations.

Radon gas is an odourless, invisible gas that can be found inside any building. As the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, high levels of radon in the indoor environment could impact the health of all occupants, including you, your family or employees. Radon levels can vary greatly and as a result, the only way to accurately gauge the potential health impact is by testing. Workplaces should include radon testing as part of their air quality program and this will help them get started.

The Central Okanagan is considered by Health Canada to be at a high risk for this radioactive gas that escapes from the ground into buildings.