Radon forum in Nelson
By Michael Jessen
It is a radioactive gas that is colourless, odourless and tasteless and it might be hiding in your basement.
Radon is formed by the breakdown of uranium, a natural radioactive material found in soil, rock and groundwater especially in the Castlegar and Nelson areas.
When radon is released from the ground into the outdoor air, it gets diluted to low concentrations and is not a concern.
However, in enclosed spaces, like basements, it can sometimes accumulate to high levels, which can be a risk to the health of you and your family.
You can find out more about radon at a free forum on Wednesday, Nov. 23 at the Hume Hotel in Nelson. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. and should last two and half hours. Free radon detectors will be available and refreshments will be served.
The only known health risk associated with exposure to radon in indoor air is an increased risk of developing lung cancer. The effects of radon are dependent on the levels of radon in the home or building and how long a person is exposed to these levels.
The combined effects of radon exposure and tobacco use significantly increase your risk of lung cancer. It is estimated that a non-smoker exposed to elevated levels of radon over a lifetime has a 1 in 20 chance of developing lung cancer. That estimate increases to a one in three chance if a smoker is also exposed to elevated levels of radon over a lifetime.
The forum is co-sponsored by the BC Lung Association, Interior Health Authority and Central Mortgage and Housing.
Michael Jessen is the Nelson director of the BC Lung Association.
