The Lung Association of Nova Scotia announced today that it will be introducing 20 new radon detector devices into public libraries across the province, as part of the Radon Detector Library Loan Program.

The program, which was launched in Nova Scotia public libraries last year, provides access to digital radon detectors, which are intended to give an indication of radon levels in the home.

“There are already over 90 radon detector devices circulating in libraries across the province,” said Robert MacDonald, President & CEO of the Lung Association of Nova Scotia. “While this program was never intended to provide testing to every homeowner in Nova Scotia, we are pleased it has created more awareness about the dangers of radon gas in the home. It’s just another way we’re trying to improve lung health in our province.”

“We’re excited to be adding more devices into the collection,” said Dave MacNeil, Manager of Collections and Access for Halifax Public Libraries. “The radon kits are the most popular special collection that Halifax Public Libraries has ever circulated, with over 1100 requests placed, and 520 checkouts in the first year.”

Radon is a radioactive gas that has no smell, can’t be seen, and is present in most homes. Long-term exposure to elevated levels of radon in the home, especially for smokers, increases your risk of developing lung cancer. In fact, it is responsible for approximately 16% of all cases of lung cancer and the only way to know if a home has high levels of radon is to test for it.

“Health Canada is pleased to be working with the Lung Association of Nova Scotia to introduce even more radon detectors into Nova Scotia public libraries,” said Lance Richardson-Prager, Health and Environment Specialist, Health Canada. “We encourage all homeowners to test for radon in their homes and consider taking action to remediate if levels are high.”

The additional radon detector kits have already been delivered to public libraries and are expected to be in circulation by the end of the week. Those looking to borrow a device should contact their local library. Long-term radon detector kits, which are the recommended method for testing, can also be purchased at the Lung Association of Nova Scotia or online at ns.lung.ca.

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Source : Media Release