N.B. Lung, an organization dedicated to promoting lung health in the province, is reiterating its plea for provincial funding to help residents address high radon levels in their homes. This renewed call comes in the wake of the passing of Angela Stief Lea, a dedicated health advocate who tirelessly raised awareness about the dangers of radon and the importance of home testing.
Radon is a radioactive gas that seeps into homes through cracks and openings in the foundation, posing a significant health risk. Prolonged exposure to elevated radon levels increases the risk of developing lung cancer, making it the leading cause of the disease among non-smokers in Canada.
According to a 2012 Health Canada study, seven percent of Canadian homes tested had radon levels above acceptable limits, a notable increase from previous decades. New Brunswick, in particular, has the highest prevalence of elevated radon levels in the country.
While home testing is essential for early detection, follow-up mitigation measures can be costly, ranging from $2,000 to $3,000. Melanie Langille, president and CEO of N.B. Lung, emphasizes the need for provincial assistance to make these repairs more accessible for all New Brunswickers.
She notes that many residents face difficult choices between essential expenses like food and gas, leaving home repairs as a lower priority. “If people are in a situation where they cannot afford to make those repairs, they’re choosing between putting food on the table or gas in the gas tank for their car to get to work … the repair is going to fall off the priority list,” Langille said.
N.B. Lung is urging the provincial government to prioritize the health and well-being of its citizens by allocating funds to support radon mitigation efforts. With winter approaching, when homeowners spend more time indoors, the need for safe and healthy living spaces becomes even more pressing.
