Radon is a class I human carcinogen according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and is recognized by international authorities and experts as the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. It is estimated that over 3000 Canadians die of radon-induced lung cancer each year. Elevated radon is easy to detect and fix but too few Canadians are taking action on the problem.
Health Canada’s National Radon Program has produced Draft Radon Action Guides. These guides are designed to help provinces, territories, and municipalities across Canada develop programs and policies to address radon. The Guides describe why radon action is important, show what steps provinces, territories, and municipalities in Canada can take, and provide examples from around the world of radon action.
We are seeking consultation from stakeholders to help improve the Guides.
Webinar April 13, 2021, 1-3 pm Eastern Time
To launch our consultation process, we are holding a webinar with leading experts on radon in Canada, including
- Kelley Bush, Manager, Radon Education and Awareness, Health Canada
- Dr. Janet Gaskin, Epidemiologist, Radiation Protection Bureau
- Dr. Anne-Marie Nicol, Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University
- Dr. Noah Quastel, Director, Law and Policy, Healthy Indoor Environments, British Columbia Lung Association
- Pam Warkentin, Executive Director, Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program
The 90-minute webinar will cover
- The science and health of radon
- How to test and reduce elevated radon levels
- The existing work of the National Radon Program
- The economic costs and social benefits of radon action
- An overview of the contents of the Draft Radon Action Guides
- How you can participate in the consultation and provide feedback on the Guides
Please register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJApcuigpzstHdMLDoIdbK5r6L5RKIf4BBW2
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
English to French simultaneous translation will be provided during the webinar and all of the webinar materials and documents for the consultation will be available in both official languages.
CONSULTATION PROCESS
From April 13 to June 30, 2021 stakeholders will have the opportunity to read drafts of the Guides and supporting materials and provide comment. The National Radon Program will review feedback and incorporate it into the final Guides, to be released in October 2021. To receive a link to the recorded webinar, draft guides, supporting material, and consultation forms send an email titled “Consultation Process” to hc.radon.sc@canada.ca or visit: https://takeactiononradon.ca/radon-action-guide/
Questions? Contact:
Kelley Bush,
Manager, Radon Education and Awareness
Health Canada/ Government of Canada
kelley.bush@canada.ca / 613 948 3232 /613- 219-4903
Canada.ca/radon
